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HER OWN MONEY. 



A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 



BY 



MARK SWAN 



Copyright, 1915, By MARK SWAN 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



CAUTION.— Amateurs and Professionals are hereby warned that 
"HER OWN MONEY," being fully protected under the Copyright 
LaAvs of the United States, is subject to Royalty, and any one present- 
ing the play without the consent of Samuel French or the author will 
be liable to the penalties by law provided. Application for the right 
to produce " HER OWN MONEY," must be made to Samuel French, 
28-30 West 38th Street, Ne^v York. 



NEW YORK 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 
28-30 WEST 38th STREET 



LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH. LTD.. 

26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET 
STRAND 



'CI,D 41998 










HER OWN MONEY. 



CHARACTERS. 



Lewis Alden A business man 

Mary Alden His zvife 

Mildred Carr ]\Iary's sister 

Tommy Hazleton In love zuith Mildred 

Harvey Beecher A neighbor 

Clara Beecher His zvife 

Rhoda A maid 



HER OWN MONEY. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES. 

Act I. Living room in Lewis Alden's home. An 
evening in summer. 

Act II. In the same room. Evening after dinner. 
Scene II — Act II. The same room. An hour 
later. 

The curtain will be lowered ten seconds to denote 
the passage of several hours. 

Act III. A cottage on Long Island. The next 
year. 



OGT 15 1915 



HER OWN MONEY. 



ACT I. 



The First Act occurs in an apartment on the third 
floor of a New York Apartment House. It is a 
comfortable, homehke, living-room — neither elab- 
orate, nor shabby ; part of a home occupied by 
people of moderate means, and good taste. 

On the left is a mantel — beneath it a fireplace. As 
it is summer this is banked with plants. On the left 
above, is a window, set obliquely, which opens on a 
rather dim court. A large arch at the center is very 
lightly draped. On the right in the corner, is an 
arch running straight across leading to a hall-way — 
w^hich runs straight back up stage. On the right 
below this is a large arch leading to a dining-room — 
and on through the apartment. 

In front of the fireplace is a couch running up 
and down stage. Beside it is a stand. On the right 
of the stand is a chair. Next the window is a lady's 
desk and chair. On the right, against the wall, is a 
good sized table covered with books and magazines ; 
chairs about it ; a large arm-chair down right. 
Through the arch into the dining-room is seen a 
sideboard. In the room at back — seen through large 
arch, is a piano, a music cabinet, a bookcase ; a table 
in the center; and several chairs. This room also 
has a door connecting with the hall-way. At the up- 
stage end of the hall-way is a door giving access to 
the public hall-way. There is also a door about 
R. 3 E. leading from the hall-way to Lew's den. 
Mary's desk sits by the window up stage. The 
window of the Beecher apartment can be seen at 
back, through the window up left. 

5 



6 HER OWN MONEY. 

On scene. — Plants at mantel. Lights up. Sewing 
basket on machine, scissors, hat-rack. 

On desk. — Pen, ink, check book — vase. 

On table r. — Bills — account book, pencil, gas bill. 

Books and papers on l. table. Matches on 

mantel. Shade up. Window up. Handbag on 

desk. 2 Bankbooks in drawer of desk. 6 
Stamps. 

Off r. — I Calender. Dress box tied. Money. 

(3 bills.) 
Off r. c. — Elevator effect. Door bell. Piano. 

Violets. 



HER OWN MONEY. 



ACT I. 



Scene: — At rise, Mary Alden is discovered at 
table right. She is an attractive, pleasant, zvell 
dressed zvonian of thirty, with rather a thought- 
fid face. She is checking up hills, of various 
sises and colors, comparing them zvith the 
accounts in her house-book. She notes the 
total amounts on a sheet of paper, shakes her 
head and sighs. 

Mary. (Calls off right) Rhoda, Rhoda. 

(After a moment, Rhoda comes from right, wiping 
her hands on her apron. She is a tall quadroon 
zvoman of fifty, dressed very plainly, but very 
neatly. Wears a gingham apron, and also 
glasses. Is evidently a general servant.) 

Rhoda. What is it, Mrs. Alden? 

Mary. There's something wrong about this 
butcher's bill. My house book (She holds up 
book) makes the account thirty-two dollars. The 
bill is for thirty-two fifty. 

Rhoda. No'me, de bill is all right. I done 
checked it up with my account. 

Mary. Your account. But you can't read. 

Rhoda. No'me. I can't read written writin', but 
I been keepin' account jess de same. I'll show you. 
(Slie turns and goes out right. Mary again inspects 

T 



8 HER OWN MONEY. 

the bills. Rhoda re-enters right carrying a large 
calendar) Dis heah, is de calendar yo' all gimme 
an' every day I puts down de meat we has, an' how 
much it cost. Dis was Monday. (She points to 
space in calendar) We had beef. So I drawed a 
picture of a cow. Next day we had lamb — I drawed 
a little sheep. On Friday we had fish. See heah's 
de fish. (She points out each drawing, in the space, 
zvith the date) 

Mary. (Laughs) A very clever idea Rhoda. 
And you draw very well. 

Rhoda. Yessum. It's easy when you put yo' 
mine on it. But dey tells me dey is men dat git a 
hundred dollars fo' one picture. 

Mary. (Looks closely at calendar) But what 
sort of an animal — is thisf 

Rhoda. Dat ain't no animal — dat's hash. 

Mary. (Laughs) Oh — I see. (Looks at house- 
book) Possibly the amount is wrong. No, here it 
is. The eighteenth. The bill says chicken — my book 
says beef. 

Rhoda. Dat was chicken Mis' Alden. You done 
order beef ; den, Mr. Hazleton come to dinner, and 
yo' change. (Shozvs calendar) See, heah's de 
chicken. 

Mary. I -remember. You're quite right. 
(Changes book) I forgot it. Then it's correct. 
(Picks up gas bill) The gas bill is higher this 
month, Rhoda. 

Rhoda. I'm jess as careful as I kin be. (Noise 
off — elevator door opening) Pears to me like ouah 
metre is mighty industrious. (Going back at table, 
tozvard dining room) 

(The outside hall-zvay door opens and Mildred 
comes quickly in, humming a little song. She is 
a pretty, zvholesome girl of eighteen. Evidently 



HER OWN MONEY. 9 

Jiappv and contented. She is simply dressed, in 
a dark skirt, a zvhite shirt waist — and wears a 
straw hat.) 

Mildred. Hello Sis. 

Mary. You're home early, Mildred. 

Mildred. Yes. Things were rather quiet at the 
office to-day, and I hurried through, so Mr. Stimson 
let me go. Hello Rhoda. 

Rhoda. (Pleasantly) How are y'all, dis even- 
ing. Miss Mildred? 

Mildred. Everything's lovely. Did a package 
come for me ? 

Rhoda. Yassum. Here it is. (Gets dress box 
from dining-room and places it on table) 

Mildred. (Trying to open box) A hard knot, 
of course. (Pulling at string) 

I^Iary. Get my scissors Rhoda out of the sewing 
basket ? 

Rhoda. Yassum. (Goes to sewing basket up 
right and gets scissors) 

Mildred. Oh ! ! I've hurt my finger. (Rubs her 
finger) 

Mary. Let me help you. (Takes scissors from 
Rhoda, cuts string) 

(Mildred takes off top of box and drops it. Rhoda 
picks it up. Mildred takes out light, pretty 
summer dress from box and holds it up.) 

Mildred. Isn't that pretty? 

Rhoda. Unr hum. 

Mary. Almost too pretty dear. I don't see how 
you can afford it. 

Mildred. I can't. That's why I bought it. 
Cost me two wxeks' salary. (Examines dress. 
Mary goes back to chair at table right) Oh dear, 
It's been in the box so long, it's wrinkled. 

Rhoda. I got a hot iron on. I'll press the 
wrinkles out for you. 



lo HER OWN MONEY. 

Mildred. Oh, will you Rhoda. 

Rhoda. Yassum. Won't take me a minute. 
(Takes the dress and goes out right) 

Mildred. (Goes to Mary right) There's an- 
other one, just like mine — in the same shop. Why 
don't you buy it Mary ? 

Mary. Oh, I don't need it. 

]\IiLDRED. Yes you do — you haven't had one new 
frock this summer. 

Mary. Well then — I can't afford it. 

Mildred. Can't afford it. That's what you al- 
ways say. (Going tozvard center taking off her 
hat) Lew isn't doing so badly. He always dresses 
well. 

Mary. Of course. Lew must dress well. It's 
business. 

Mildred. If yon don't dress well, people won't 
think he's doing any business. 

Mary. Lew isn't rich Mildred. The real estate 
business is very uncertain. 

Mildred. If you can't afford to be a little good 
to yourself, how is it you're so good to me ? 

Mary. I'm not " so good " to you. 

Mildred. Yes you are. I couldn't live any- 
where else, half as well for the same money. And 
that reminds me — (Feels in her bag) this is settle- 
ment day. (Counts out seven one dollar bills) 

Mary. (Looks at money) You know I don't 
like to take it. 

Mildred. I shouldn't stay here with you, unless 
3^ou did. I've got a good situation — and I get a 
good salary, for a girl. I can pay my way — and I 
like to feel independent. 

Mary. Yes. I understand that. 

Mildred. But I think it's absurdly little. 

Mary. (Going to Mildred right of centre. 
In a jocular zvay) ''Oh, dear Mrs. Landlady — 
please raise my board." (Earnestly) You see 
dear, you are not in any way — a — a — burden. Even 



HER OWN MONEY. ii 

if you were not with us — we should still have the 
apartment — only your room would be empty. I 
should be very lonely, if you were not here. 

Mildred. Dear old sis. (Mildred slips the 
money into ^vIary's Jiand and Mary goes up to 
desk left) It's sweet of you to talk like that, but 
I've noticed you worrying about money for ever so 
long. (Back of table right) You're puzzling your 
head now about bills. (Handles the pile of bills) 
It's none of my business I know — but — are you and 
Lev/ hard up ? 

Mary. No — certainly not. 

Mildred. Because if yon are, you can have 
every cent of my salary till you turn the corner of 
Easy Street. 

Mary. (Going back from desk — to table right) 
Nonsense. I am just trying to help Lew save 
money. (She sits) You know after we're married 
— we women must learn to practise economy. 

]\Iildred. Yes, but economy — is one thing — and 
— (Hesitates) 

Mary. (Quietly) And parsimony is another. 
Is that what you mean? 

Mildred. No I don't. You know I don't. 
(Slips her arm about Mary's head and strokes her 
brozv) You're not miserly — or stingy — but it hurts 
me Mary to see you always worrying about money 



Mary. (Quietly) Sometimes it hurts me. 

Mildred. Worrying about pennies — Always 
denying yourself. jVlways — doing v/ithout — things 
you need. 

jNIary. I have all I need. 

Mildred. Things you n'ant, then. It isn't as if 
Lew were poor. I know he isn't rich, but he's got 
a fair business. 

Mary. Lew gives me all I ask 

Mildred. Then ask for more. (Going toward 
centre) 



12 HER OWN MONEY. 

{Enter right, Rhoda with dress on her arm,) 

Rhoda. Here's yo' dress. 

Mildred. Thank you so much Rhoda. {Takes 
it from her, holds it up and admires it) 

Mary. {Wistfully) It's awfully pretty. 

Rhoda. Pretty ? Dat dress is a regular husband 
winner. 

Mary. Have you tried it on? 

Mildred. Oh yes. Once when I was just look- 
ing — once after I thought it over — once before I 
bought it, and once after I bought it. {During this 
speech she approaches Mary, and Rhoda moves a 
little to the left — behind) 

Mary. {Drily) That's why this hook is loose. 
{Finger a hook on dress zvhich nozv lies in her lap) 

Rhoda. How does it fit ? 

Mildred. Better every time I wear it. 

Rhoda. I'd like to see it on you Miss Mildred. 

Mildred. I'll put it on. 

Mary. Let me tighten this hook. 

Mildred. I'll change my petticoat. {She runs 
out. Elevator door off) 

Mary. Get me a needle, Rhoda. 

Rhoda. Yassum, heah's yo' needle. {Admiring 
the dress) Miss Mildred's certainly got mighty 
genteel taste. {The door bell in hall-zvay rings) 

Mary. See who that is Rhoda. 

Rhoda. Yassum. {She goes into the hall-zvay. 
Opens door) Howdy do Mr. Hazleton. 

Hazleton. Good evening Rhoda 

Rhoda. Miss Mary. Heah's Mr. Hazleton. 

Mary. Come in, Mr. Hazleton. 

{Enter Tom Hazleton from hall-way. He is a 
clean cut, young chap of twenty-five, very well 
dressed, though not a fop.) 

Tom. How do you do, Mrs. Alden. 
Mary. Glad to see you. Sit down. 



HER OWN MONEY. 13 

(Rhoda having closed fJie outer door into the hall- 
ivay returns, stands in the background, casting 
approving glances at Tom.) 

Tom. Lew in yet? 

Mary. No — Did you come especially to see him ? 

Tom. Yes. 

Mary. Oh ; did you bring him those violets ? 
(Points to flozver he carries. He is slightly con- 
fused. Rhoda grins) 

Tom. Lew? (He shakes his head smiling) 

Mary. (Mischievously) Oh — Then they're for 
me. (Takes them from him, unzvraps them, puts 
them in a little vase on her desk. Then laughs at 
Tom) Rhoda tell Miss Mildred that Mr. Hazleton 
is here, and say he has brought ^om^body — violets. 

Rhoda. (Grinning) Yassum. 

(Mildred quickly comes in from right. She has 
removed her zvaist and her arms are hare. She 
vuears her silk petticoat; her hair is dozsun. 
Mary and Rhoda look up, Mildred discovers 
Tom, zvho does not see her, as his back is 
turned. She smotJiers a gasp and quickly re- 
treats right. Rhoda enjoys this hugely.) 

Tom. I stopped at Lew's office — on my way up- 
town, but he wasn't in. 

Mary. He'll be home soon. You don't mind 
waiting. 

Tom. Of course not. 

(Mildred with a zvhite scarf zvrapped about her 
shoulders, cautiously appears in doorzvay right, 
and casting a glance toward Tom, to be sure she 
is not seen, indignantly signals Rhoda to bring 
her dress. As she disappears from the door- 
way, she is hastily doing up her hair.) 
Mary. (Indicates dress) Will you take this 

Rhoda? 



14 HER OWN MONEY. 

RiiODA. Yassum. {Takes dress and goes out 
right) 

Mary. "Won't you stay and have dinner with us ? 

To^i. Much obHged — but I'm going to take 
Mildred to dinner. 

Mary. Well what has Lew to do with it. Are 
you going to take hint too ? 

Tom. (Laughs) No. I heard something to- 
day about a real estate deal — I think Lew ought to 
know of it. (He sits by table) 

Mary. It's awfully kind of you to remember 
him. 

Tom. (Taking a cigarette from case) I'd do 
anything for Lew. He landed me in the Real 
Estate business and showed me the ropes. If it 
hadn't been for him, I'd have had a pretty rough 
time. (Indicates cigarette) Do you mind? 

Mary. (Gives him match holder zvhich is placed 
on table) Go on — smoke. I suppose some of the 
men in real estate — are tricky. 

Tom. Tricky? I know one man who sells 
corner lots that are six feet under water at lovv^ tide. 

Mary. (She sits on couch facing him) Your 
firm, handles a good deal of out of tov/n business 
doesn't it? 

Tom. Yes, we buy and sell estates — and bunga- 
lows — and farms 

Mary. Do you do much on Long Island ? 

Tom. That's my department. Keeps me busy 
too. Any man who Vv^ants to keep up with a Long 
Island Native — on a real estate deal, m.ust put in 
twenty-seven hours a day, and then some. 

Mary. When you're going about over there, if 
you should run across a little place — that somebody 
wants to sell 

Tom. Do you want to live in the country? 

Mary. (Wistfully) I should love it. 

Tom. Why don't you look over our improvement 
at Grasslands — the lots are cheap — half an hour 



TIER OWN MONEY. 15 

from town — we'll put tip a bungalow — {He en- 
thusiastically goes around to hack of table taking 
literature from his pocket) Let me show you what 
a great place it is. 

Mary. (Laughing) You are a good Real Estate 
man. (Tom laughs, puts liis folder in his pocket 
and goes back to his chair) I don't want a bunga- 
low — or a summer cottage. I'd love a place for the 
year round. 

Tom. Are you and Lew thinking of living in the 
country ? 

Mary. I am — I'm always thinking of it. It's 
my dream — I lived in the country when I was a 
child. I love it. I hate the city. It's so crowded 
— and hot — and dirty — and expensive. 

Tom. Hasn't Lew been able to find anything you 
like. 

Mary. No. Not yet — I asked him three years 
ago, but I don't think he took me seriously. And 
then Lew is very busy, you know — and all his work 
lies here in town. I suppose he has forgotten. 
Still I think if I found a pretty little place — I could 
persuade him to try the country. I hope I could. 
He could have a car and motor in and out of town. 
He'd like that 

Tom. Yes, it would be jolly. I'll look about. 
Tell me just what you'd like. 

Mary. A nice little house — eight or nine rooms 
— and a garden. Some trees about it — and flowers 
— and some land 

Tom. Oh, sort of a little farm. 

Mary. Yes ; big enough to raise chickens. That 
would give me something to do. 

Tom. I might manage to pick up a bargain for 
you, chickens and all. You ought to get a nice little 
place for six or seven thousand dollars. How much 
would you pay down ? 

Mary. Oh — tvv^o thousand dollars, not more. 



j6 her own money. 

(Mildred enters right. Her hair is dressed and 
she wears the new dress.) 

Mildred. Hello. {Frankly extends her hand) 

Tom. Hello. {He looks at her dress admir- 
ingly ) 

Mildred. I'm glad you like it. 

Tom. There are some violets — for you. {He 
gives Mary a look) 

Mildred. For me. {SJie takes violets from vase 
and puts them on her belt) They're awfully sweet 
Thank you. 

Mary. Why didn't you tell me you were going 
out to dinner with Tommy ? 

Mildred. Oh ! Am I going out to dinner with 
vou? 

Tom. I've discovered a great little Italian place 
— down town. They serve a corking dinner — be- 
ginning with four miles of spaghetti 

Mildred. How thrilling. Mary, will you lend 
me your pink hat. It just matches this dress. 
Mine won't go wnth this. 

Mary. Of course. I'll get it for you. You 
needn't be in such a hurry. Mr. Hazleton wants 
to see Lew before he goes. {To Tom) He'll 
be home soon. (Mary quietly goes out right) 

Tom. {Thoughtfully) Home. That's a nice 
word. Means a whole lot — doesn't it ? 

Mildred. {Left) My goodness — don't look so 
doleful. One would think you have no home. 

Tom. I haven't. 

Mildred. Oh what a pity. {Lightly) Mr. 
Hazleton — Real Estate Agent — business address — 
Brooklyn Bridge — home address Third bench to 
the right, Madison Square Park. {She laughs) 
What's the matter with your boarding house? 

Tom. We're short on blankets — and long on 
prunes. {He sits by table) Overhead there's a 
lady with a parrot. The parrot thinks very well of 



HER OWN MONEY. 17 

himself. Calls himself Pretty Polly. Tells the 
milkman about it at daylight. A gentleman across 
the hall has a bout with a cornet every evening. 
The cornet always gets the best of it. 

Mildred. I thought you moved to a new one last 
week. 

Tom. I did. Em going to move back to the old 
one — next week. But it's no use. They're all alike. 
It's no life for a man. It's too lonely. I tell you 
Lew Alden is a lucky fellow — and I envy him every 
time I come here. 

Mildred. Oh well. Cheer up. Some day you'll 
have a nice little home all your own 

Tom. That's what Eve been working for, and 
saving for. I want a flat like this 

Mildred. I beg your pardon — this is not a flat 
— it's an apartment. 

Tom. What's the difference? No matter what 
you call it, it's home. I want one like it. I want to 
come home in the evening, and find someone wait- 
ing for me. {There is a pause) Do you know who 
I want to find there waiting? 

Mildred. {Rather faintly) No. 

Tom. Why — you. No one else. 

Mildred. {Laughing — in a constrained man- 
ner) Tommy — don't be silly. 

Tom. I never felt so sensible. 

Mildred. Mary — is sure to come in — and laugh 
at you. 

Tom. Just so you don't laugh at me 

Mildred. I won't listen. {He detains her, hold- 
ing her hand) 

Tom. I know I'm not doing this very well — but 
it's the first time I ever did it 

Mildred. {Unconsciously) I should hope so. 

Tom. If I only had to sell you a house — I could 
talk for three hours 

Mildred. {Uneasily) Tommy — please don't 
hold m.y hand. 



i8 HER OWN MONEY. 

Tom. I won't. If you'll promise to sit down, 
and listen — Will you ? 

Mildred. Yes, go on. {They sit on end of 
couch; a pause) 

Tori. I can't talk romance — and sigh — but I've 
got it all here — just the same. You're the only girl 
for me Mildred. 

Mildred. Am I — Tommy? 

Tom. Don't you know it? 

Mildred. Yes. 

Tom. Does it make any difference to you — Do 
you care ? 

Mildred. (Rising) I won't say a word — and 
I won't listen to you any longer. You've taken me 
— by surprise 

Tom. By surprise? Why I've been your shadow 
for two years. I fairly haunt this place — the el- 
evator man thinks I lire here. 

Mildred. I do like you Tommy — a lot — (He 
rises quickly) but 

Tom. But — (He takes ring from pocket) Will 
you wear this Mildred? 

Mildred. Oh, isn't it pretty! (Takes it and 
admires it) 

Tom. Will you wear it? 

Mildred. Oh no — really 

Tom. Well — just try it on. (He slips it on her 
finger) 

Mildred. It wouldn't be fair — I really don't 
mean to keep it — you know. (She admires it) 

(Enter Mary with hat.) 

Mary. Here's my pink hat, Mildred. 

Mildred. Thank you so. much. (Tries to slip 
off ring. To Tom) Oh, Tommy, it won't come off, 

Tom. (To Mildred) I hope it never comes off. 

Mary. Here, dear. (Mildred goes to Mary to 
take hat, keeping her hand behind her. Mary puts 



HER OWN MONEY. 19 

the hat on Jier, and steps back to look at tJie effect. 
There is a ring, hurried and insistent, at the door 
in the halhvay) 

Tom. Perhaps that is Lew. 

Mary. Oh no. Lew has his key. {Another 
ring) 

(Rhoda passes out from dining-room into hall- 

zuay. ) 

Mildred. It sounds Hke Mrs. Beecher. (An- 
other ring) 

Tom. She must be in a hurry. 

Mildred. She's ahva3'S in a hurry — and always 
in trouble. 

(Rhoda in halkvay opens the door and Mrs. 
Beecher enters, talking volubly.) 

Mrs. Beecher. How do you do Rhoda — is Mrs. 
Alden in, or Miss Carr? I'd Hke to see them just 
a moment — it's very important. 

Mary. (Dozvn right) Come in Mrs. Beecher. 

(Mrs. Beecher continues to talk as she passes 
along the halhvay, then enters the room, fol- 
lowed by Rhoda zvho casts a disapproving look 
upon her and goes on out right. IMrs. Beecher 
is a woman of thirty-five. Her manner is 
hurried — often furtive. She is faded and her 
face is somezvhat drazvn — and lined zvith care. 
She is zvell dressed in the manner of a woman 
of fashion.) 

Mrs. Beecher. [Right centre) I am so glad 
you are at home Mrs. Alden — and I really do hope 
I don't disturb you. How are you, my dear. (To 
Mildred) My, what a nice little gown. And it be- 
comes you so well. Pink is your color. Oh yes I 
like it — it's very pretty 



20 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mildred. {Left centre) You know Mr. Hazle- 
ton? 

Mrs. Beeciier. {Greets him) How do you do, 
Mr. Hazleton. So glad to see you. 

Tom. Thank you. How is Mr. Beecher. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh splendid. {Uneasily) I'm 
expecting him home every minute. {She indicates 
to Mildred quietly to send Tom azvay) 

Mildred. Tommy — Mrs. Beecher is dying to 
talk over — my dress. Suppose you wait in Lew's 
den. 

(Tom nods and starts right) 

Mrs. Beecher. {Going extreme left in front of 
table. Relieved) Oh don't let me drive you 
away. 

Tom. {Going) Not at all. I just ran in to see 
Mr. Alden — on business. {Right centre) Where 
does Lew keep his cigarettes? 

Mildred. Lew doesn't smoke cigarettes. 

Mary. There's a jar of tobacco on his desk 

Tom. Thank you — no. I'll run next door, and 
get what I want. 

Mildred. Now don't be long 

Mary. No. Lew may be here at any moment. 

Mrs. Beecher. So glad to have seen you Mr. 
Hazleton. 

Tom. Remember me to Mr. Beecher. {Quietly 
goes out, halhvay) 

Mrs. Beecher. {Coming to Mary right centre) 
Oh my dear Mrs. Alden — I am in such a pickle. 

Mildred. Too bad. {Centre) 

Mary. {Right) What is it? 

Mrs. Beecher. I wonder if you can help me. 

Mary. If I can, I will. 

Mrs. Beecher. Lend me three dollars. 
(Mildred and Mary exchange meaning looks) 
Will you? (Mary begins to look in hand-hag) 
I'll pay it back to you, the first thing to-morrow 



HER OWN MONEY. 21 

morning. You see my dear, I must have It — to pay 
the plumber. 

Mildred. Only three dollars ? He can't be much 
of a plumber. 

Mrs. Beecher. He's waiting now. In my 
kitchen — He says he won't go until he gets his 
money. So impertinent 

Mary. Why not let him wait — and when your 
husband comes 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh no. That won't do at all. 
My husband mustn't see him — he thinks the bill is 
paid. 

Mildred. Why should he think so? 

Mrs. Beecher. I — I told him so. 

Mary. Oh— I see. 

Mrs. Beecher. And I really meant to pay it. A 
week ago I asked Harvey for five dollars to pay the 
plumber 

Mildred. Five ? 

Mrs. Beecher. Yes. I — I thought the bill — 
" might " be five — and — oh — you know how men 
are, he grumbled about it — but he gave it to me — 
Then I forgot all about the plumber — and spent the 
money on — something else, I needed — when Harvey 
asked me about it — I told him I had paid it. 

Mildred. How foolish — why didn't you tell him 
you spent it 

Mrs. Beecher. When you're married — you'll 
understand why. You don't know my husband. If 
he comes home and finds the bill unpaid — and finds 
that I made a " mistake " in the amount — oh my 
goodness. He's apt to be home at any moment — 
and if you can let me have the money I promise 
faithfully to give it back to you to-morrow morning. 

Mary. (Puts doivn hag) I'm so sorry — I 
haven't three dollars in my purse. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, dear. {Sits in the arm- 
chair and covers her eyes zvith her handkerchief) 



22 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mildred. I'll let you have the money, Mrs. 
Beecher. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh will you. Will you — I'll 
never forget it my dear, and I promise faithfully 
you shall have it back to-morrow. 

{Elevator and Beecher's voice outside.) 

Mildred. I'll get it for you. {She goes out 
right) 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh dear he mustn't see that 
plumber. {Goes into halhvay, as Beecher, ap- 
parently talking and laughing with some one, passes 
along the outer hallway at hack. Mary goes to 
left) Harvey, Harvey. Elere I am dear. In Mrs. 
Alden's — come in. {She brings him in from the 
outer hall, volubly talking to him) 

Beecher. I'm not properly dressed. {She 
ignores his protests that he is not presentable, etc. 
and they come in the room. Beecher is a middle- 
aged man, slightly bald, querulous and irritable in 
appearance. Very well dressed) How d'ye do 
Mrs. Alden? 

Mary. Glad to see you, Mr. Beecher. Sit down. 

{Putting his hat on little table in alcove room.) 

Beecher. Isn't this rather an inconvenient time 
for us to drop in. You must be just about to have 
dinner. 

Mary. Oh no. Mr. Alden isn't home yet. Sit 
down. {She sits left and sezvs) 

Mrs. Beecher. Yes dear. Do sit down, and 
rest. You must be tired. {She presses him into 
arm-chair and leans over him' in a caressing man- 
ner — meanzvhile watching anxiously for Mildred) 
So glad you're home. 

Beecher. {In rather a sarcastic manner) Yes, 
so I see. {He looks at her, in rather a puzzled 
zvay) 



HER OWN MONEY. 23 

Mrs. Beecher. I was just trying to persuade 
Mrs. Alden, and her husband to come over and play 
five hundred — to-night. 

Beecher. To-night? We're going to the Roof 
Garden to-night. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh are we? How nice — I just 
love a roof garden, don't you Mrs. Alden. 

Mary. I very seldom go 

Mrs. Beecher. You ought to go out more. 
" Have a good time while you're living — you'll be 
a long time dead." Let's see — who said that — was 
it Mark Twain or Brigham Young? 

Beecher. {Emphatically) I'll lay ten to one — 
it was not Brigham Young. 

{Enter Mildred right. She has money in her hand. 
She sees Mr. Beecher and is surprised and 
ill at ease. Slips money behind her. Mrs. 
Beecher is also ill at ease.) 

Mildred. Good evening, Air. Beecher. {Offers 
him her hand) 

Beecher. {Rising) How d'ye do Miss Carr — 
{He shakes her hand) 

(Mrs. Beecher zvorks around right, back of 

Mildred.) 

Mildred. Splendid. Don't let me disturb you. 

Beecpier. Oh but we're going. 

Mary. Oh don't be in a hurry. 

Mildred. {Trying to think of something to hold 
him) How did the second race go to-day? 

Beecher. Luxembourg won in a walk. 

Mrs. Beecher. Harvey — have you been betting 
on the races again. 

Beecher. Luxembourg wasn't a gamble. He 
was a sure thing. I got down two to one on him, 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh you zuon — how nice. 
(Mildred standing facing Mr. Beecher. Mrs. 



24 HER OWN MONEY. 

Beecher comes up behind her and takes the money) 

Beech ER. Say — while I think of it — next time 
you have anything wrong about the house, go to 
another phimber. (Mrs. Beecher, dismayed, re- 
presses it) You too, ]\Irs. Alden. This fellow 
Turner, at the corner stopped me, this morning — 
and dunned me 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh that bill was paid a week 
ago. 

Beecher. That's what I told him. 

Mrs, Beecher. I've got a receipt 

Beecher. I'll take it down there and show it to 
him.. (He moves as if to go to door) 

Mrs. Beecher. (Hastily) I'll get it for you. 

Beecher. Come on. 

Mrs. Beecher. (Desperately) Oh, by the way, 
Miss Carr was asking me about to-morrow's races 
— I told her you would knov/. (Mildred is an- 
noyed. As soon as Beecher turns to Mildred, 
Mrs. Beecher slips a-way and goes out through 
halhvay, unseen by Beecher) 

Beecher. (Laughing) Do you play the ponies ? 

Mildred. No, but I think races are awfully in- 
teresting. I suppose you've got a — " long shot '* 
picked for to-morrow. 

Beecher. Yes, in the third race — Bantam. 
He'll go to the post ten to one. There'll be a killing 
— I'll clean up 

(Elevator is heard in the hallway.) 

Mary. Oh, there's Lew. 

Mildred. (Impulsively) Thank Heavens. 

Beecher. Eh ? 

Mildred. (Lying to Beecher glibly) We 
can't have supper till he comes, and I'm starved. 
(She goes toward right) 

(Lew Alden comes in from halhvay. He is a 
strongly built, kindly faced, zvell dressed man 
of forty.) 



HER OWN MONEY. 25 

Alden. {To Mary zi)ho meets him) How's 
Mary. (Kisses her) 

Mary. Glad you're home. (She remains right) 

Alden. Sorry I'm late. (To Mildred) Hello 
Sis. (Sees Beecher) How are you, Beecher? 

Beecher. Hello Alden. (They shake hands) 

Alden. Haven't seen much of you this week. 
(He goes up in little room back and puts down 
magazines and papers) 

Beecher. No. There was some talk of a game 
of five hundred to-night. But we're going out. 

Alden. Come over and play to-morrow night. 

Mary. Yes, do. 

Beecher. I'll see what Mrs. Beecher says. (He 
looks about for her) Why where is she? 

(Mrs. Beecher comes in quickly from halhvay and 
glances at Mildred. Her face shozvs relief. 
She nods in a confidential manner at Mary.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh — good evening Mr. Alden. 
(To Beecher) See Harvey. Here's the receipt. 
(He looks at it) See it is dated a week ago, and 
there's the workman's name. 

Beecher. I'll bet that fellow held out on the 
boss. (Chuckles) Is that a three or a five. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh a five dear. (Taking the 
receipt from him quickly) That's what I paid him. 
But aren't you ever coming home. (He stares. 
She folds up the receipt and tucks it in her bosom) 
We mustn't keep IMr. and Mrs. Alden from their 
dinner. 

Mary. So glad you ran in. 

Alden. To-morrow night then. 

Beecher. Yes, after dinner. (To Mildred and 
Mary) Good evening. (They bozv) Say if you 
want a sure thing in the third race to-morrow. 

Alden. No thanks. (They start out into hall 
chatting) 



26 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mrs. Beecher. Let's go shopping to-morrow, 
Mrs. Alden. (Back of chair right) 

Mary. Shopping. {Left of chair) 

Mrs. Beecher. Yes Harvey won to-day and if 
I don't spend it, he's sure to lose to-morrow. He 
ahvays loses on a sure thing. (Alden and Beecher 
just going out of hall door) I'm so much obliged 
to you dear, and I'll return the loan early in the 
morning. 

Mildred. I'm glad to help you out. (Right of 
chair) 

Mrs. Beecher. Good night. 

Mildred & Mary. Good night. Good night. 

(Mrs. Beecher goes into hallway.) 

Mildred. Isn't she dreadful. I felt so ashamed. 

Mary. What a horrible life she leads — I wish 

I wish we didn't know them. 

Mildred. I suppose I'm a fool, but I couldn't 
help lending her the money. {Going centre) 

Mary. She forces me to help her deceive her 
husband. She insists on confiding to me the most 
unpleasant things about their life. 

Mildred. He's a selfish thing — always playing 
the races — while she always needs money. 

(Lew comes hack from the hallway.) 

Lew. What are you two doing — ^gossiping? 

Mary. Tommy Hazleton was here to see you. 
He'll be back presently. {To Mildred) Oh— my 
dear aren't you going to wear gloves. 

Mildred. Oh yes, I forgot. I'll get them. 
{She goes out right) 

Alden. What was the matter with Mrs. 
Beecher ? 

Mary. {Busy at table right zvith bills) I didn't 
notice anything wrong. 

Alden. Where are your eyes — she's in trouble — 



HER OWN MONEY. 27 

it's plain to me — and I'm a " mere man." (Busy 
zvith papers and magazines. He Jiands her one as 
she passes. She says: " thank yoit ") 

Mary. (Lightly) I believe she did say some- 
thing about a misunderstanding with a plumber — ■ 
(Goes to couch left of table and puts bills on table) 

Alden. (Nods) I see. The Beechers seem to 
be always having trouble about money. (Throzving 
zvrapper of magazines into basket by desk) 

Mary. (Quietly) Yes. But that's rather com- 
monplace, isn't it? Nearly every married couple 
seems to have some sort of difficulty about money. 

Alden. We're one of the luck}^ exceptions, 

Mary. Are we? 

Alden. Why of course. I don't remember that 
we've ever had a word about money — since we've 
been married — Do you? (He sits right of table 
centre) 

Mary. No. 

Alden. Of course we never have as much as w€ 
want (Lauglis) but then no one ever has that much. 

Mary. I suppose not. 

Alden. Still, we seem to get on. We have — 
enough — eh ? 

]\Iary. Yes — Vv'e seem to get on. 

Alden. (He looks at her curiously) Is any- 
thing wrong? 

Mary. Nothing. 

Alden. (Goes to her) Sure? (She shakes her 
head) I'm glad. I do the best I can, (She nods) 
The little place here isn't much, but it's all I can 
afford just now. We seem to have bully little 
dinners, and Rhoda is a good darkey to work. You 
have a charge account at Franklin Simon's — and you 
always look v/ell, I see many women more ex- 
pensively dressed, but none that looks any prettier. 
(Pinches her cheek) It isn't that I don't want a 
fine house — it isn't that I don't want you to have a 
car — and lots of fine things 



28 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. I don't want a car, and fine things, Lew. 
I know you work hard, and do the best you can 

Alden. Then what is it you do want. What's the 
matter ? 

Mary. I am not complaining. 

Alden. I wish you would. If there's anything 
wrong, tell me. If I can, I'll set it right. (He looks 
at her a moment. She says nothing) You've some- 
thing on your mind — (He turns from her and passes 
the table. He sees the bills, picks one up, looks at it, 
then picks up others, and glances at them) Bills? 

Mary. Yes. 

Alden. Is that's w^hat bothering you? (Looking 
them over) Nothing to worry about here. 

Mary. No. They're just the same as usual 

Alden. They're never big. You're the best little 
housekeeper in New York. I'll settle these in the 
morning. Gas — Electric light — Butcher — Baker — 
Green Grocer. (Looks at her) Is this all? 
(Lightly) Have yo^l had a "misunderstanding" 
with a plumber? 

Mary. Of course not. 

Alden. (Putting bills in his pocket) You don't 
owe — something — you're afraid to tell me. 

Mary. If I owed anything, I shouldn't be afraid 
to tell you. 

Alden. Of course not. " Afraid " isn't the word. 
Reluctant — I paid a hundred and a quarter for a 
dress suit last year. I remember I was '' reluctant " 
to tell you about it 

Mary. (Smiling) I told you to get it — and I 
kept after you till you did get it. It was worth the 
money 

Alden. (Looks at her in thought) You don't 
need any money do you? 

Mary. Yes. 

Alden. Is that what you've been worrying about ? 
Well — well why didn't you ask me ? 

Mary. That's just it — I hate to ask you. 



HER OWN MONEY. 29 

Alden. {Puzzled) You — hate to — ask me? 

Mary. For money — yes. 

Alden. But why ? I'm your husband. 

Mary. That doesn't make it easier 

Alden. You're welcome to all I've got, if you 
want it. You've a right to it. Have I ever refused 
3^ou ? 

Mary. No. 

Alden. {With grozving wonder) But you hate 
to ask me? 

Mary. {Clasping her hands, nervously) Yes. 
Yes,. Oh, if you knew how I hate it. If you could 
only know how every woman hates it. 

Alden. Come on, let's talk this over. I never 
had an idea — of anything like this. Why do you 
hate it ? 

Mary. It's humiliating. 

Alden. Not a bit. I enjoy giving it to you — just 
as much as you enjoy spending it. Good Lord 
Mary — don't let a little thing like this make you 
unhappy 

Mary. It isn't a little thing:. 



Alden. But I don't understand 

Mary. Of course you don't. No man can under- 
stand — Try and put yourself in my place. {As he 
rises and slozvly goes to right center) 

Alden. {Laughing) I wish I could get all I 
want, merely by asking for it. {Pulls money out of 
his pocket) How much do you want? 

Mary. Twenty dollars. 

Alden. {In good-humored zvonder) What for? 
{Counting out money) 

(Mary looks at him and turns azvay repressing 

agitation.) 

Mary. {Slozvly) What for? That's the ques- 
tion that makes a woman realize — she is only a wife. 

Alden. {Going to table) I'm sorry. I didn't 
mean to ask that ; I spoke before I thought. 



30 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. I know — but the question was in your 
mind. A husband gives his wife shelter, food, 
clothes, luxuries — and when she asks for money, he 
wonders what she wants with it. That's why every 
woman hates to ask. That's why I hate it. It 
makes me feel so — so dependent. It's like a child 
saying '* father give me a nickel to buy some candy." 

Alden. Come now, you're supersensitive about 
it. Every business has a treasurer. A household is 
a sort of business. But what's mine is yours. You 
get just as much of it, as I do — more in fact. Out- 
side my business — I don't spend 

Mary. It isn't how much you spend Lew — or 
how much you are willing to give me. The point is 
that if you only have ten cents, you can spend it 
without anyone saying " what are you going to 
spend that for " or wondering what you are going to 
spend it for. Before we were married, I was tak- 
ing care of myself — I earned my living. My salary 
was mine — I never had to account for it. 

Alden. But you've had more since we married — 

Mary. But not the same independence. 

Alden. I never knew you felt this way — why 
have you never spoken of it ? Why honey, you know 
I love you, and I wouldn't do anything to hurt you 
for the world 

Mary. I know you wouldn't Lew 

Alden. But it doesn't seem to me there's any 
help for it. 

Mary. Yes there is. I should love to feel that 
I am not only your wife — but your partner. I 
should love to help you — to save 

Alden. You do help me. You've made a home 
for me — that's your end. You take care of that, 
and let me fight it out down town. I'll take care of 
you — and do the saving 

Mary. How much have you saved Lew? 

Alden. Well — I've not begun to save yet. Fm 
establishing a business that will pay later on, and as 



HER OWN MONEY. 31 

fast as I get money, I put it in that. But things are 
looking brighter all the time. Now promise me, 
whenever anything troubles you, you won't hide it, 
but come and have it out, and we'll settle it as we 
have settled this. 

Mary. But we haven't settled this. 

Alden. Of course we have. As wxll as it can 
be settled. You hate to ask for money. I won't 
wait to be asked. Understand ? I don't grudge you 
anything I've got, so if I don't remember, just re- 
mind me. {He lights a cigar) 

Mary. You don't seem to understand just what 
I'm trying to tell you. 

Alden. I'm afraid not — Don't be unreasonable 
Mary. What do you suggest. What do you want 
me to do? Tell me. 

Mary. If you only gave me one dollar a week — I 
should like to have it at a certain time without hav- 
ing to remind you. 

Alden. I'm trying to fix it that way, only it seems 
you're not rebelling against me, but against marriage, 
against custom — A wife doesn't get a salary. 

Mary. I wonder why. 

Alden. (Affectionately) Because honey, if they 
did, I couldn't afford you, for you'd draw down a 
salary that only a millionaire could pay 

(Enter Mildred right.) 

Mildred. Mary, I took a pair of yours. You 
don't mind, do you ? 

Mary. Oh, no. 

Alden. I think I'll shave before dinner. 

Mary. You'll have to hurry. 

Lew. Just once over. (Goes out right) 

Mildred. Hasn't Tommy come back yet ? 

Mary. Not yet. (She begins to add figures at 
her desk ) 

Mildred. This is once he can't say I kept him 



32 HER OWN MONEY. 

waiting. By the way — have you my bank book? 
{Left of couch) 
Mary. Yes. {Hands her a hank hook) 
Mildred. I want to leave it at the bank to- 
morrow to be balanced. I'm afraid I haven't any- 
thing left — since I paid for my dress. 

{There is fJie sound of an argument between Mr. 
and Mrs. Beecher coming from the court 
through the windozv tip left. Mary and 
Mildred express distaste.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Now Harvey am I going to get 
that money, or am I notf 

Beecher. You are not. What do you think I 
am, a millionaire? {He slams down the windozv) 

Mildred. I think she asked him for a nickel. 
(Mildred casually opens and glances at hank book) 
Two thousand dollars — first of the month. (Mary 
starts slightly and looks np. Mildred looks at 
hook) Why this isn't mine. 

Mary. {Quietly) No. It's mine. {Goes to her. 
Takes the hook, exchanges it for another which is 
in same compartment of desk. She gives Mildred 
her hook and locks her ozvn in desk compartment.) 

Mildred. Yours. Two thousand dollars. Oh, 
you plutocrat. 

Mary. {Glancing off right) S-s-sh. {Raises a 
zvarning finger) 

Mildred. Oh ! Lew doesn't know ! 

Mary. Nobody knows — except you. 

Mildred. Where did you get it? 

Mary. I saved it. I've been saving it — for 
years. A little at time. Saved it out of what Lew 
has given me. And I didn't rob him of any com- 
fort. He's never missed anything. But I watched 
the expenses. I cut them to the bone — if it was 
only pennies. I saved them. I denied myself. I 
love pretty dresses, but I've hunted bargains. I 



HER OWN MONEY. 33 

love nice lingerie. I've made my own. I've 
skimped and stinted. Oh my God — when I think 
of what that two thousand dollars means to me — 
{Gradually during speech she goes out to centre) 

Mildred. And it's yours — ^your ov/n. {Left) 

Mary. Don't you think I'A^e earned it. 

Mildred. I don't think it's worth what you've 
gone through to get it. Hasn't Lew ever suspected ? 

Mary. V/hat ? That I did without ? JMen don't 
notice shabbiness in a wife. They notice extrav- 
agance. 

Mildred. {Pu:;zled) I know it wasn't just for 
the money— why did you do it? {She sits on the 
couch) 

^ Mary. So that some day I could get out of the 
city. I want a little country home. 

Mildred. I don't see why you should do all the 
saving. 

Mary. Lew can't save — At least he doesn't. He 
won't let me help him. 

Mildred. When he finds out, he will be so 
ashamed. 

Mary. More likely, he'll be angry. 

Mildred. {Thoughfully) I shouldn't wonder— 
because you're keeping it a secret. 

Mary. I'd feel guilty if I were doing it for my- 
self alone— but it's for us. Every dollar Lew gets, 
goes into his business. That's why I'm keeping this 
to myself. If he knew I had it— it would go. 

Mildred. He'd pay it back though ; wouldn't he ? 

Mary. If Lew borrowed money from a stranger, 
it would be repaid the day it was due. But {She 
hesitates) when Lev/ and I were married, I had a 
little money. Not much,— only five hundred dollars. 
I had earned it. 1 had planned what to do with it. 
There came a sudden crisis in Lew's business. He 
had ^to have money, quick. I loaned him— five 
hundred dollars. He never — paid it back. 

Mildred. Never paid it back 



34 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. Understand — he didn't mean to take my 
money. He meant to repay it. He means to give it 
to me — some day. He has mentioned it often — but 
— he ahvays puts it off. And he laughs — and pays 
me the interest (She walks across to left) 

Mildred. I'd hate anyone that would do that to 
me — no matter who 

Mary. Lew loves me Mildred — and I love him. 
He's not dishonest — he's thoughtless. 

Mildred. Are all men like that ? 

Mary. No. Only husbands. 

(Elevator door slams. Tommy Hazleton is heard 
zvhistUng cheerfully outside the hall door.) 

Mildred. There's Tommy. (She goes to hall- 
way and calls to him) Oo — oo ! (The hall door 
opens) Come in Tommy — Lew's home. (Tommy 
comes in from hallway and looks around) She's 
gone. 

(Tommy snickers.) 

Mary. (Calls off right) Lew. Oh Lew. 

Lew. (Off right) Yes, dear. 

Mary. Here's Mr. Hazleton. 

Lew. Just a minute. 

Mary. (To Tom) He's coming. 

Mildred. Now, I suppose, you've something 
very important, and very secret, to discuss, and 
you'd like to have the whole place to yourselves. 
(SJie smilingly goes into rear room and softly plays 
the piano) 

(Enter Lew Alden.) 

Alden. Hello Tommy. 

Tommy. Hello, Lew. 

Alden. Been waiting long? 

Tommy. About four cigarettes and an evening 
paper. (Mary starts out) Don't let me drive you 
away, Mrs. Alden. This isn't a lodge meeting. 



HER OWN MONEY. 35 

{He hands Lew a bulky envelope zvhich contains 
legal papers. Mary goes in alcove rootn zvith 
IMjldred) 

Alden. Hello. What's this? (Left) 

Tom. The papers for the Page Property Deal. 
(Left centre) 

Alden. Is the deal off? (Toms nods) But 
Howard wants it. 

Tom. He can't put up the cash. 

Alden. I considered it settled. I've been count- 
ing on it. Do you know where you can reach him, 
on the 'phone. 

Tom. I suppose he's at home. 

Alden. Call him up will you Tommy. See if he 
can't manage the first payment. It means a lot to 
me to have that to-morrow. 

Tom. I'll have a try. (He goes into halhvav, 
then into Lew's den) Hello — Columbus 7090^- 
(He closes door) 

Mary. (In arch of back room. To Mildred) 
S-s-sh. 'Phone. (Mildred stops playing. Mary 
approaches Lew sympathetically) Too bad your 
business follows you home — I hope it's nothing 
serious. 

Alden. It's a rotten trick of this man Howard. 
I put a deal through for him. It cost me time and 
money. Now he backs down. 

Mildred. (Comes into room) Has Tommy 
gone again? 

Mary. He's using the telephone in Lew's den. 
(To Alden) It's too bad dear, but don't worry. 

Alden. When Howard told me he was sure to 
close this deal to-day, I paid a thousand dollars on 
an option on a factory site. I can sell it in a month 
for ten thousand dollars. There's a crowd that 
simply has to have it. There's twenty-five hundred 
due to-morrow. If I don't pay it, I'll lose my 
thousand — and the prospective profit. 

Mary. Well, can't you borrow the money. 



36 HER OWN MONEY. 

Alden. I'm carrying all I can bear on another 
big deal — caught without ready money — and no 
.security I can realize on, quickly. 

Mary. {With deep feeling) Oh, I'm so sorry 
Lew — so sorry. 

Alden. Now don't you worry, Mary. Serves 
me right. It will teach me a lesson. 

Mildred. Oh Lew, I hope you don't lose your 
money. 

Tom. {Comes out of den) I've got Howard on 
the wire Lew — he just told me a corking lie — and 
he wants to tell you a few. Come talk to him. 

(Alden joins Tommy in the hallway and his voice 
is heard an instant on the 'phone. Then door 
closes. ) 

Mildred. {Looking at Mary) Poor Lew. 
{Right of table) 

Mary. Poor Lew. {On couch) 

Mildred. Too bad to think of him losing his 
money. 

Mary. Yes — it's so much. 

Mildred. And the profit too. 

Mary. I know what you're thinking, Mildred. 
{She rises and zvalks about restlessly) 

Mildred. Couldn't you — just this once 

Mary. {Rising and going toward right) Oh I 
want to — I want to — but I can't. I mustn't. A 
thousand dollars means a good deal to Lew — but it 
means everything to me. You can't realize how 
hard it has been to get it together. It might be lost. 
I don't dare to let him know I've got it — {With 
great emotion) Oh, I don't know what to do — I 
don't know what to do. (Mary right) 

{The voices of Tom ajid Alden are heard in con- 
versation and they re-enter the room.) 



HER OWN MONEY. 37 

Lew. That fellow always was a piker. {He 
goes left) 

Tom. He can certainly think up more gilt edge 
excuses 

Alden. I was a fool to pay any attention to him. 

Tom. Well, I'll see you downtown to-morrow. 
{To Mildred) I'm sorry I've kept you waiting 

Mildred. Shall we go ? 
Tom. If you're ready 



Mary. I hope you have a nice time. {Going 
into hall with Mildred) 

Tom. {Goes to Lew) By the way, I can let you 
have eight hundred if that will help any. (Lew 
shakes hands zvith Tom) Now for the raviola and 
the red ink. {All bid each other good night. Tom 
and Mildred go out) 

Mary. Oh, it's hard luck, Lew. {She goes to 
him and caresses him) 

Alden. The worst of it is that it's practically a 
sure thing — any time in the next fifteen days, and if 
I had a few days' time, I could get the money. 
Tommy says he'll lend me eight hundred 

Mary. Oh isn't that good of him. Eight 
hundred. I wish / could help you. I wish I — 
could. 

Alden. Why, of course? I know you'd help me, 
if you could. 

Mary. And you say it's sure ? 

Alden. Absolutely. 

(Mary stands behind him a moment, out of his 
sight. She looks at him, and her mental 
struggle shozvs in her face.) 

Mary. Lew — I — (Beecher is heard zvhistling 
through the ivindoiv in the court. Mary hears him, 
and glances through zvindozv) 

Alden. What did you say Mary ? 



38 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. Sam Mears lives just around the corner. 

Alden. Yes. I rode home in his car. 

Mary. You lent him money once ; without secur- 

Alden. He paid it back — but it was a favor. 
He might do as much for me — I'll 'phone him — 
(He starts out, she goes zvith him) 

Mary. No. Don't telephone. Someone down- 
stairs might listen. I don't want people in the house 
to know our affairs. Slip around there. {She 
gives him his hat) See him 

Alden. You're right. I will. That's a good 
idea of yours, Mary. {At door) You know you're 
a wise little thing — and the best little wife in the 
world. 

Mary. Am I ? 

Alden. {Going up hallway) I won't be gone 
long — Everything v/ill come right 

{The door closes in outer hallway. Mary sighs. 
Then with resolution approaches the zvindow 
and speaks out) 

Mary. {Quietly) Mr. Beecher 



(Beecher in his zvindow, about to drink, chokes.) 

Beecher. {Off left) What is it Mrs. Alden. 

Mary. Can you run over a moment. My hus- 
band wants to speak to you. 

Beecher. Certainly. You don't mind if I keep 
my slippers on — do you 

^jNIary. Not at all. Not at all. 

Beecher. {Explaining to Jiis zvife) Alden 
wants to see me. I'm going over. {Disappears) 

Mrs. Beecher. {Looks out) Is that you, Mrs. 
Alden. 

Mary. {Gaily) Yes. We'll take good care of 
Mr. Beecher and return him immediately. 



HER OWN MONEY. 39 

Mrs. Beecher. Yes, we're going to the roof 
garden. 

(]\Irs. Beeciier laughs and the sound of her voice 
dies away. Mary goes to desk. Unlocks com- 
partment. Gets out her check book. Sits at 
table and makes out a check. Beecher is 
heard at outer halhvay door.) 

Mary. Rhoda. (Rhoda comes in and admits 
Beeciier. Beecher comes through halhvay into 
the room. Rhoda goes out) Sit down. 

(He sits in arm-chair right and looks about.) 

Beecher. Where's Alden ? 

Mary. He'll be here in a moment. Before he 
comes I want to speak to you. 

Beecher. Certainly. If there's anything I can 

do 

Mary. You can do me a great favor. (Ap- 
proaching' him) Now — don't be surprised — I want 
you to lend my husband — two thousand dollars. 

Beecher. (Lightly) If I had two thousand 
dollars, I'd buy a half interest in Central Park. 

Mary. I'm not joking. 

Beecher. Frankly, Mrs. Alden — where do you 
suppose I'm going to raise two thousand dollars 

Mary. / will lend it to you, and you will lend it 
to my husband. (She hands him a check) 

Beecher. (Looks at the check) Pay to Harvey 
Beecher — two thousand dollars — But why don't you 
lend it to him ? 

Mary. Why I — I don't want him to know it 
comes from me. (Quickly) Mr. Alden is in a 
difficulty. I'm — not supposed to know — you see. 
(He nods) But Mr. Hazleton told me. You can 
say he told you. Mr. Alden needs this money at 
once. Even if I " knew " I fear it would humiliate 



40 HER OWN MONEY. 

him to accept assistance from me — when he went 
into the affair — against my advice. 

Beecher. I see. I see. 

Mary. So I must not appear in it, at all. You 
just come along, as a business man — lend him the 
money — take his note. 

Beecher. Six per cent — three months 

Mary. That's usual? 

Beecher. Quite. 

Mary. When he pays it back to you — you can 
give it back to me. He will think there has been 
an ordinary business deal — and his pride will not 
be hurt. {She goes toward desk) Here is my bank 
book to show you the money is available. 

Beecher. (Rising) Not necessary — I assure 
you 

Mary. Will you do this for me ? 

Beecher. Gladly and I'm proud to share your 
confidence. I'm proud you trust me — And you're 
a woman in a thousand. Just to protect you — (He 
zvrifes) here's my I. O. U. for two thousand. (He 
offers her I. O. U.) 

Mary. I don't need that 

Beecher. Take it — I might get excited and play 
a sure thing — then where would you be. (He 
laughs) 

Mary. (Takes the I. 0. U.) And please ar- 
range it so the money reaches him early in the 
morning. 

Beecher. May I trouble you for an envelope, 
and a sheet of paper? 

Mary. Oh, there's lots here on my desk. (He 
goes to desk) 

Beecher. I'll kite a check. 

Mary. (Back of him) I don't know what that 
is but it sounds dansrerous. 

Beecher. (Glancing at zvindow) I think the 
light is better here. (He rnoves to table in alcove 
room) I'm sending your check to my bank. It 



HER OWN MONEY. 41 

will be there in the morning when the bank opens 

Mary. Sure. 

Beecher. Have a special delivery stamp ? 

Mary. No, but here are six two's. 

Beecher. That's alright. {He puts several 
stamps^ on the envelope. Scribbles a note, puts 
check in letter, seals it.) Have your maid mail it 
at once, please. 

Mary. Rhoda. 

Rhoda. Yassum. 

Mary. Drop this in the mail chute, please. 

Rhoda. Yassum. {She goes out zvith letter) 

Beecher. I'll give him my check. He'll cash it 
early. Now don't worry — everything is all right. 

Mary. And he'll never suspect it came from me. 

Beecher. No. Now to turn to strictly personal 
matters. {Elevator door slams out right) When 
Mrs. Beecher asks me what Mr. Alden wanted v/ith 
me, what shall I tell her? 

(Alden comes in from outer halhvay.) 

Alden. Saw Mears. He can let me have it next 
week. Oh— hello, Beecher. {He moodily sits in 
chair, right) 

Beecher. Haven't got a minute — just dropped 
m. (Mary signals to Beecher) Tom Hazleton 
says you need ready cash to pull you through a deal 
—Well, I made a killing to-day— and if a couple of 
thousand Vv^'ll help you out - 

Alden. Beecher— this is great. It's fine of you 
— But I can't give you any security 

Beecher. I'll take your note. 

Alden. Do you mean it 

Beecher. Of course. {Going tozcard desk) 
Suppose we clean up now — vve're going to the Roof 
Garden. {Begins to zvrite at desk) 

Alden. I say, old man, you don't know what 
this means to me — {Up left) 



42 HER OWN MONEY. 

Beecher. Cut out the gratitude. (Laughing) 
Some day when I've won a long shot, I'll let you 
sell me a house and lot. 

Alden. You see, dear — everything is all right. 
Thanks to Beecher 

Mary. Thanks to Mr. Beecher. (Timidly) 
Can't T help you any. Lew ? 

(Rhoda quietly enters.) 

Alden. No, honey. Tm all right now. 
(Pinches her cheek) Beecher and I will fix this 
up in a moment. (Smiling) What do you know 
about business, eh? 

Mary. (Ironically) Nothing. Come Rhoda. 
We'll get dinner. 

(Rhoda goes out. Mary stap.ds in the doorzvay 
R., zvatching them. Beecher takes Alden's 
note.) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT 11. 



Scene: — The Second Act occurs in the Alden 
Apartment, the following evening at seven- 
thirty. When the curtain rises, the stage is 
empty. The room is almost dark. A bright 
light shines through chinks in the curtains, on 
arch to dining room, and the rattle of dishes 
and sound of cutlery is heard. Mary and 
Mildred are dining. Singing is heard from 
the court.) 

Mary. (Off right) Turn on the lights in the 
living room Rhoda. Mr. and Mrs. Beecher are 



I-IER OWN MONEY. 43 

coming over. They may be here at any moment. 

(Rhoda enters. She listeiis to tJie quartette, then 
turns up light. She starts back to dining 
room.) 

Rtioda. Why don't you eat something. 
Mary. (Off) I'm not hungry, Rhoda. 
Mildred. {Off) This chicken is lovely. 

(The door-bell in the halhvay rings.) 

Mary. (Off) See who that is — Rhoda 

(Rhoda conies from dining room, goes into hall- 
ivay and opens the door.) 

Mildred. (Off) Maybe it's Tommy. (Peeps 
through curtains) 

(At end of halhvay the voices of jMr. and ]Mrs. 
Beecher are Jieard greeting Rhoda a7id 
Rhoda's voice in reply — then the outside 
door closes and all come dovini the hallway, in 
general conversation. Mildred disappointed 
retires from the curtains.) 

Rhoda. Set down please. (Going right) Mis' 
Alden, heah's 1\lv. Beecher an' his lady. (She 
goes into dininci room) 

Mary. (Off) Oh!! Yes— I'm so glad. (Mary 
comes in from dining room) Good evening. 

Beecher. Good evening. 

Mrs. Beecher. How are you this evening, dear? 

Mary. Oh splendid — so glad you've come in. 

Mrs. Beecher. ^Vre we early? 

Mary. No, we're late. Mr. Alden hasn't come 
home yet. He's delayed down town, on business. 
We waited for him until after seven, so we're 
just eating dinner 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, please don't let us interrupt 
— go on and finish your dinner 

Mary. We won't be long — and Mr. Alden is 



44 HER OWN MONEY. 

sure to be home soon. Sure you don't mind wait- 
ing 

Mrs. Beecher. Of course not. I'll be glad to 
have a tete-a-tete with my husband. (Laughing) 
I see so little of him at home, you know. 

(Beecher glances at her.) 

Mary. You can smoke if you like Mr. Beecher. 
Just make yourselves comfortable. (Mary goes 
into dining room) 

(Mrs. Beecher gives Beecher a meaning glance.) 

Mrs. Beecher. (Sarcastically) Late. 

Beecher. Well, what of it? 

Mrs. Beecher. Of course it's none of our busi- 
ness, but I don't suppose he'll feel like playing five 
hundred, when he does get home. 

Beecher. What's the use of saying a rotten 
thing like that? 

Mrs Beecher. Well, I always know what to 
expect when you're late. 

Beecher. Cut that out, will you. Alden doesn't 
drink a drop. (He sits in chair by extreme left fac- 
ing Mrs. Beecher) 

Mrs. Beecher. Isn't that nice — and so dif- 
ferent. (Seated on end of couch) 

Beecher. Well, why should he? His wife is a 
bully little woman. (Mrs. Beecher bridles) And 
he's got a nice comfortable home. 

Mrs. Beecher. I suppose you're trying to imply 
that / drive you to drink. And how easy it is to 
pull the wool over a man's eyes. His wife 
seems lovely to you, but if you knew what / 
know — (Shakes her head) Stingy? — Oh dread- 
ful — And she's so dowdy. She never spends a 
penny on herself. But I suppose that's a virtue in 
your eyes. You'd like me to wear calico — And I 



HER OWN MONEY. 45 

don't see anything so wonderful about the Alden 
home. I think this room is in wretched taste. 

Beecher. {Stretching out) Well, it's comfort- 
able. 

Mrs. Beecher. Perhaps if you gave me as much 
money, as Mr. Alden gives his wife 

Beecher. There you go — money, money, money, 
— can't you ever think of anything but money? 

Mrs. Beecher. Can't you think of it once in a 
while ? 

Beecher. I'm not allowed to think of anything 
else. 

Mrs. Beecher. I never have enough. 

Beecher. You couldn't get enough. 

Mrs. Beecher. The idea of your losing all your 
winnings to-day. 

Beecher. Do you suppose I lost purposely ? 

Mrs. Beecher. I told you that you'd lose. Why 
didn't you give it to me? 

Beecher. I wanted a run for my money. 

Mrs. Beecher. When you married me, you 
promised I should have everything I want. 

Beecher. Well, I didn't know you'd want the 
earth. 

Mrs. Beecher. I'm growing tired of it Harvey. 
If you can waste money at the races, you can give 
me enough to make a decent appearance. 

Beecher. \A'ait till we get home — will you? 

Mrs. Beecher. No I won't. When we get 
home, you'll sit down with a paper, and if I dare 
to speak to you, you'll say " huh " and snarl at me, 
and if I insist on talking you'll go out and leave me 
all alone. This is a good chance, and I'm going to 
take advantage of it. 

Beecher. Now, there's no use asking me for 
money to-night. I haven't any — but I'll give you 
some to-morrow. 

Mrs. Beecher. (Rises and zvalks centre, dis- 
gusted) To-morrow never comes. At least, it 



46 HER OWN MONEY. 

never brings money with it. (Turns back) What 
did Alden want with you last night ? 

Beecher. Oh a httle business matter. 

Mrs. Beecher. {Approaching Jiiin) Don't you 
go buying any land through him. ]\Iy Uncle Bob 
bought a lot from a real estate agent once — and he 
found it ran up a hill — like this. It was so steep — 
a house would roll right off it. 

Beecher. I'm not going to buy anything from 
him. 

]\Irs. Beecher. Well if you sell him anything be 
sure you get your money. Now / need money for 



Beecher. Don't talk so loud — they'll hear you. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh I don't care, if they do. 

Beecpier. W^ell I do. Now shut up. 

Mrs. Beecher. Harvey don't you speak to me 
like that. {TJicy argue a moment ad lib. Mary 
comes from the dining room. Mrs. Beecher in- 
stantly becomes suave and szveet) Oh, dear Mrs. 
Alden surely you haven't finished your dinner ! 

Mary. (Right) I do hope you're not tired of 
waiting. 

]\Irs. Beecher. (Going to her) Oh not at all. 
Not in the least. Don't let us hurry you through 
your dinner. 

Beecher. No, don't hurry on our accoimt. 
W^e're doing nicely. 

Mrs. Beecher. I'm afraid I shall have to be 
jealous. Mr. Beecher likes it so much better here 
than he does at home. But then I suppose it's quite 
natural. You have such a dear little place. 

(AIiLDRED comes from dining room.) 

Mildred. Good evening. (Mr. and Mrs. 
Beecher return her greetings) Awfully glad you 
came in. I know I don't play as well as Lew does, 
but I'll take a hand till he comes. 



HER OWN MONEY. 47 

Mary. Where did you leave the cards ]Mildred? 

Mildred. In the bookcase. (SJie goes in rear 
room) Will you turn on this light for me, Mr. 
Beecher. 

Beecher. Certainly. {He goes into rear room, 
and turns on light over table, centre) 

(Mrs. Beecher follozvs.) 

Mrs. Beecher. {To Mildred) I wish you'd 
teach me how to get him to do things. He never 
thinks of helping me. 

(Beecher glozvers at her — uncomfortably.) 

Mary. {Brings cards from bookcase) Here are 
the cards. {Puts them on table, then she goes up 
and looks out of hall door) 

(Beecher takes them. Rhoda appears from din- 
ing room.) 

Rhoda. {To Mary, zvho comes dozvn halhvay — 
rigiit) I done put JNIr. Alden's dinner in de oven to 
keep it hot 

Mary. Thank you, Rhoda — that's right. 

Rhoda. {Looking keenly at Mary) What y'all 
so worried about. Mis' Mary ? 

Mary. I'm not worried — Rhoda. 

Rhoda. Yassum. Yo' sho' is. Yo' hands is jes' 
tremblin' an' yo' ain't got no appetite. Now don't 
yo' fret. Nothin' ain' gwine to happen to Mr. 
Alden. He'll be 'long home. 

Mary. Yes, yes, of course. 

Mrs. Beecher. {At piano. To Mildred) Oh 
my dear. {Elevator door off) Do you mind if I 
play this? {Indicates a piece of music) The 
orchestra played it last night. I think it's lovely. 

(Mrs. Beecher plays softly. Beecher sits back 
of table in rear room. Shuffles cards, and lays 
out a game of solitaire. Plays. There is a ring 
at the door. Mary goes to hallway. Rhoda 



48 HER OWN MONEY. 

quickly goes out in the halhvay and opens door. 
The voices of Rhoda and Tommy Hazleton 
are heard, in mutual greeting.) 

Mary. Oh, it's you, Mr. Hazleton — come in. 
(Tommy Hazleton comes in from the hallway) 
So glad to see you. 

Tom. Company? 

Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Beecher. 

Tom. Oh. (He looks into rear room) Good 
evening, everybody. 

(Mr. and Mrs. Beecher greet him pleasantly and 
Mildred smiles and nods at him.) 

Mary. Did you see anything of Lew downtown ? 

Tom. I saw him this morning — we had a Httle 
business together. But sit down. (To the others) 
Excuse me. I've some good news for you. I saw a 
bully little place over on Long Island to-day. 

(She sits in chair right. He brings down a light 
chair and sits by her.) 

Mary. Oh — tell me about it. 

Tom. It's a stucco house. Eight rooms, almost 
new. Two miles from town on a good road. 

Mary. And is there some land ? 

Tom. About twenty acres — and chickens — oh, 
you never saw such chickens in your life. 

Mary. How many? 

Tom. Well — I should say about — three million. 
(Both laugh) It's a chicken farm. The owner 
must sell, quick. His wife is — delicate. They 
think she'll do better in the Southwest 

Mary. Oh, poor woman. How she must hate to 
give up her little home. 

Tom. Here's a photograph of the place. (He 
gives a picture to Mary^ and she studies it 



hp:r own money. 49 

dreamily) It's a bargain at eight thousand. 
Fifteen hundred down and the rest on a six per cent 
mortgage. 

Mary. Chickens and all? 

Tom. Yes. But you'll have to make up your 
mind quick. Two or three people have been to see 
it. 

Mary. I should love to have it. If Lew — were 
willing. I can't say positively until I've had a talk 
with him. Oh, I wish — He'll be home soon. 

Tom. If you like I'll take you and Lew out to 
look at it to-morrow. 

Mary. I hope he can go. I hope I can persuade 
him. It must be lovely out there now. 

Tom. Prettiest little place you ever saw. 

(Mildred leaves Mrs. Beecher and goes left by 

desk.) 

Mildred. {To Tom) So glad you came in. 

Mary. You mustn't go without seeing Lew. 
{She joins the Beechers) Can't I get you some- 
thing. A glass of beer? 

Mrs. Beecher. Thanks ; it's so warm. 

Mary. It's on the ice, Mr. Beecher? 

Beecher. Not just now, thank you. 

]\Irs. Beecher. First time I ever knew Harvey 
to refuse. {She laughs sarcastically and goes out 
into dining room ivith Mrs. Alden) 

(Tommy stands right and Mildred left. They look 
up at Beecher in little alcove room playing 
solitaire, who is unconscious of the fact that 
they wish to be alone. Tommy signals to 
Mildred to get Beecher away. She shakes 
her head in refusal. Tommy zvalks up to the 
table in the alcove room, picks up a deck of 
cards and runs his finger over the end loudly. 
Beecher looks up. He catches Tom's eye. 
He glances at Mildred. Tommy and Mildred 



50 HER OWN AIONKY. 

stand quiie still. Beecher quietly gets up and 
goes off in the dining room.) 

Mrs. Beecher. (Off right) Changed your 
mind, eh? 

Beecher. (Off right) I will have a glass if you 
don't mind Mrs. Alden. 

Mary. (Off right) Here's a glass. 

Tom. (Looks at Mildred's hand) Well, I see 
you got it off. 

Mildred. Yes. My knuckle almost came with 
it. (Left) 

Tom. I'm going to put a plain gold band on this 
finger, and you'll never get it off. (He touches her 
ring finger) 

Mildred. I'm not so sure. Tommy. I haven't 
made up my mind. I want time to think things 
over. Oh, such a lot of time. (She moves chair 
dozvn from desk and sits left) 

Tom. Take all the time you want. I'll come 
around again to-morrow night — if you say so. (He 
sits on coiich facing her) 

Mildred. Tommy — what is your idea of mar- 
riage ? 

Tom. (Smiles) " Two souls Vv^ith but a single 
thought, two hearts that beat as one." I think that's 
pretty good for a real estate man. 

Mildred. (Thoughtfully) Is it always like 
that ? 

Tom. (Tenderly) It would be like that with us, 
little girl. 

Mildred. (Practically) It isn't like that — with 
Mr. Beecher. 

Tom. Beecher — oh, no, that's different. 

Mildred. It isn't like that with Mrs. Beecher. 

Tom. But they're always squabbling about 
money. 

Mildred. That's just it. Money seems to have 
a lot to do with marriage. 



HER OWN ^lONEY. 51 

Tom. Money has quite a lot to do Avith it. But 
don't let's talk about that — {He takes her hand) 

?vIiLDRED. Why not? If money is such an im- 
portant part of marriage, it ought to be talked 
about. 

Tom. Let me remind you. This is a proposal; 
not a Director's ^Meeting. 

Mildred. Well — go on — propose some more — I 
don't mind — but tell me something of the future 
you have planned — tell me of the life you hope to 
lead — v/ith your wife 

Tom. I'll try. I'm not rich ; you know that. 
{She nods) But I've got ambition. I'm willing to 
work — I know how to save. We can have a nice 
home — like this — I don't gamble. I take a drink 
when I v/ant it — but I don't want it too often 

Mildred. {Demurely) I suppose you can bring 
references from your last employer to prove all 
these nice things that you say about yourself. 
{Both laugh) You're a nice boy — or I wouldn't let 
you sit here — and hold my hand. You're a sensible 
boy. You show it by saying you like me. {Both 
laugh) But leaving out your alluring description 
of your personal attractions : what is your ideal of 
married life? 

Tom. I think it's a man's job to get something 
worth while to do — do it the best he can — and try to 
deserve a good woman. It's up to him to see that 
his wife gets all the good out of life that he can give 
her. I think the woman's v/ork is to make a home — 
and keep a home. 

Mildred. Men usually tliink that way — don't 
they ? 

Tom. I suppose they do. It's the right way, 

Mildred. It's tlie usual way. 

Tom. I suppose it isn't a perfect scheme, but it's 
the best we know. 

Mrs. Beecher. {Ojf) Harvey, are you going 
to have another bottle? 



52 HER OWN MONEY. 

Beecher. Yes, I'm going to have another bottle. 

Mildred. (Glancing at the Beechers) But, 
Tommy, it doesn't work. 

Tom. Sometimes it doesn't work. Of course if 
a fellow is a simp, and his wife's a nut — nothing 
would work. 

Mildred. It seems so unfair to the woman. She 
must be content with what her husband is willing to 
give her. 

Tom. a man who loves a woman will give her 
all he can. 

Mildred. {Lightly) Yes. But people ahvays 
start, loving each other. I suppose those two did. 
I suppose he was good to her once. (Nods at the 
Beechers) But nozv: if he gives her five cents, to 
buy an ice cream cone, she's lucky. 

Tom. The other extreme is just as bad. I know 
a two-by-four manakin that turns in his salary every 
Saturday night to a loving helpmiate. She gives him 
lunch in a basket and allows him ten cents a day for 
carfare — when he takes a glass of beer he has to 
walk to Harlem — 147th Street 

Mildred. I don't mean to take extremes. Just 
ordinary married people. They do have so much 
trouble about money. 

Tom. Not real people. But here's Lew Alden, 
and your sister 

Mildred. (She turns azvay. Rather grave) 
Yes. My sister, and her husband 

Tom. See how well they get on. They love each 
other. They've been married for years. They've 
made it work, IMildred. 

Mildred. Have they? 

Tom. You live here with them. You ought to 
know. Why Lew Alden is one of the happiest men 
alive. (Curiously) What's the matter, Mildred? 
What's gone wrong? Last night you were on the 
point of saying — yes — but now 

Mildred, Now — I'm — afraid. 



HER OWN MONEY. 53 

Tom. (Sadly) I'm afraid, too — Mildred — 
afraid you don't care for me — (He rises and turns 
tip stage) 

Mildred. Oh, but I do — (He eagerly turns back 
— moving the chair zvhich is in his zvay — back to the 
desk) Now I didn't mean to say that. (She evades 
his demonstrations) Don't. They'll see you. 

Tommy. (Going centre) Why don't they have 
doors in these flats? 

Mildred. Tommy — if two business men were 
going into partnership — for five years, they would 
have a clear agreement. (She is centre with him) 

Tom. You've been driving at something all even- 
ing and — (He taps his forehead) Solid ivory — 
don't understand. Don't beat about the bush — tell 
me plainly — what — is it ? 

Mildred. Tommy — married people have trouble 
about money, all married people. No matter how 
much two people think of each other, I don't think 
it's wise for them to marry until they've agreed on 
some way to share their income, so the wife will not 
learn to hate marriage ; because she is dependent. 

Tom. That sounds to me just a little bit — mer- 
cenary. 

Mildred. (Hurt) Oh. I'm sorry. (She walks 
away from him toward left) 

Tom. (Follozvs her) Don't be angry — I didn't 
mean to hurt you 

Mildred. Mercenary ? It's a thing that's got to 
be settled sometime — why not settle it — before it 
causes pain and bitterness. 

Tom. (Moodily) I'm sorry you don't trust me. 

(Mrs. Beecher comes from the room at back and 
joins Mildred.) 

Mrs. Beecher. (To Tom) Will you excuse me 
a moment, Mr. Hazleton. (He goes up left. To 
Mildred) Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry that I wasn't 



54 HKR OWN MONEY. 

able to give you that three dollars, this morning, as 
I promised. 

Mildred. Oh — any time. 

Mrs. Beecher. But, you see, I couldn't get a 
cent out of Harvey because he was determined to 
play a sure thing to-day — and of course he lost. I 
took his spring overcoat down to the pawnshop, but 
the man wouldn't let me have three dollars on it. 

]\IiLDRED. Oh, it doesn't matter. 

(Mary comes from Ike dining room and joins them. 
Beecher also comes in and goes to card-table.) 

Mary. Mildred will you play until Lew comes ? 

Mildred. Yes. {She goes into alcove room) 

Mrs. Beecher. {To Mary) Oh, Mrs. Alden, 
if my husband asks you what you pay your butcher 
for sirloin steak, will you tell him thirty-five cents 
a pound? {Both are zvcll dozvn) 

Mary. But I only pay thirty-two. 

Mrs. Beecher. Yes, I know ; that's what I pay, 
really ; but you see my butcher is very obliging and 
puts thirty-five on the bill and he always charges for 
a little more than I have, then after Harvey has 
paid the bill at the end of the month, I go see the 
butcher and he always makes it right. 

Mary. That's very nice of him. 

Mrs. Beecher. Now for Heaven's sake don't 
forget it because Harvey is always prying into 
things. Isn't it dreadful, how suspicious these hus- 
bands are ; and if he should ask you how much you 
have for your family, tell him four pounds — he'll 
never know the difference and he'll believe you. 
You've no idea what an awful difficulty I'm in. I 
owe my dressmaker over a hundred dollars and I 
haven't an idea where I'm going to get the money to 
pay her. 

IMary. {Steadily) If I were you, Mrs. Beecher, 
I would sell some jewelry. For instance — your 



HER OWN MONEY. 55 

solitaire. (She points to ring on Mrs. Beecher's 
finger) 

Mrs. Beechee. Oh, my clear, I have sold it. 
That's paste. {Elevator door off) I let it go over 
a year ago, and I'm so afraid that Harvey will find 
it out. 

{The outer halkvay door opens and Alden comes 
in quickly.) 

Alden. {As he comes doivn the hall) Did you 
think I was never coming? Sorry I'm so late. 

Mary. Oh, I'm so glad you're home. (Alden 
comes into room and she goes to him eagerly) Is — 
everything — all right — tell me — tell me. 

Alden. {Looks at her in zvonder) Why, of 
course — everything's all right. {He gently puts 
Mary from him, nods to Mildred, then speaks to 
Mrs. Beecher) I am sorry to hold up the game. I 
hope you and Mr. Beecher haven't grown tired of 
waiting. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, not at all. Beecher has 
been playing solitaire. He loves solitaire. That's' 
all he plays at home. 

Alden. Hello, Beecher. Hello, Tommy. 

Beecher. Hullo. {Goes on zvith his game) 

Tom. I'll bet you've been in the subway. You 
look it. 

(Mary, zvho has been standing still, reels slightly 
and puts out a hand in a groping way.) 

Mh.dred. {Sees this) Mary. What's the mat- 
ter? {Goes to her) It's the heat. 

(Mary sits in chair right. Mrs. Beecher stands 
right of chair, Mildred is back of her and Lew 
on tJie left.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Poor dear. She's been worry- 



S6 HER OWN MONEY. 

ing. I know just how she feels. {With a glance 
at Beecher) 

Alden. Why, I'm often late 

Mildred. Ihere are so many accidents — {She 
goes into dining room) 

Beecher. Give her air. {Pulls curtains from 
window) 

Mary. There's nothing the matter. {Trying to 
pull herself together) Really. {With a slight 
touch of hysteria) Ha, ha. {She zvipes her eyes) 
So silly of me. Please don't pay any attention. 

(Mildred conies back with zvater.) 

Mildred. She's been worrying about some busi- 
ness affair 

Alden. {To Mary) Well, if it's going to affect 
you this way — I'll never tell you another word, 
about business. 

Mrs. Beecher. That's just what Mr. Beecher 
says. 

Mildred. You're all upset, dear. Why don't 
you go in your room — and lie down ? 

Mary. Oh, no. {Gains control of herself) 1 
am all right now. {To the others) I suppose you 
think I'm awfully foolish 

Mrs. Beeclier. Oh, no — perfectly natural. You 
really ought to lie down and rest a little w^hile. 
(Mary starts to protest) If only a few moments. 
Come along — do, and I'll fan you — {Taking her) 

Mary. {To Lew) But everything is all right 
now? 

Alden. Of course. Things have gone — 
splendidly. Everything is all right. 

(Mary goes out relieved zvith Mrs. Beecher.) 

Mildred. Have you had your dinner — Lew ? 
Alden. I've been too busv to eat. 



HER OWN MONEY. 57 

Mildred. (Calling right) Rhoda. (Rhoda 
appears, right) Mr. Alden has come home. Will 
you please give him his dinner. 

RiiODA. Yassum. But de chicken is dry as a 
bone an' de ice cream all got soft. {Slie goes out) 

Mildred. {To three men) Excuse me. (Fol- 
lows Rhoda out) 

Beecher. (Coming down) Poor little woman. 
That's what she's been worrying about. I knew 
something was the matter, but I didn't know what 
it was. 

Alden. (Crosses to centre) Well, she needn't 
worry. I swung the whole deal. Put it through 
clear and clean. Thanks to you fellows. I couldn't 
have made it without your help. 

Beecher. (Right of Lew) (Looking uneasily 
after his zcife) Not so loud 

Tom. (Left of Lew) So you bought the 
factory site all right, eh? 

Alden. Bought it, yes — this morning — and sold 
it, this afternoon. 

Tom. Hooray. Tell me about it 

Alden. As soon as I cleaned up on the purchase, 
I telephoned the Power Company. Made a quick 
deal — cleared four thousand dollars. Tommy, 
you're a brick; Beecher, I can never thank you 
enough. 

Beecher. (Looking off right uneasily) S-s-sh. 
This is between ourselves. 

Tom. Are you in on this, too? 

Alden. In ? He let me have two thousand dol- 
lars last night. (Tommy stares — incredulously) 
Now I want to show you chaps how grateful I am. 
Tommy, here's your check for the eight hundred you 
loaned me. (Gives him a check) 

Tom. Hold on. Lew, this is for a thousand. 

Alden. Your end of the profit. (Tommy starts 
to protest) Now, shut up; take it. (Gives 
Beecher check) And here's your loan to me. 



58 HER OWN MONEY. 

Beecher. (Fiiinbling for note in his pocket) 
Twenty-five hundred. (Embarrassed) Oh, no — 
reall)' — I can't take this, old man. 

Alden. Of course you can. You must. Now 
I insist. It's coming to you. You don't know what 
a friend you've been to me, Beecher ; I'm awfully 
grateful. 

(He puts the check in Beecher's hand and takes 
his note from Beecher. At the same time 
Mrs. Beecher comes from right.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Mrs. Alden is better now. 

(Beecher quickly pockets the check. She notes 

this.) 

Mildred. (Appears right) Come to your din- 
ner. Lew. 

Alden. (To Mr. and Mrs. Beecher) You'll 
excuse me a little while — won't you — I haven't had 
a bite since breakfast 

Beecher. Certainly ; go on, and eat your dinner. 

(Alden goes out right. Tommy goes right follow- 
ing Lew and stops by Mildred. Beecher un- 
easily goes up into alcove room. Mrs. Beecher 
follows him — determined. ) 

Tom. (Aside to Mildred) Put on your hat and 
we'll go over and stroll on Riverside Drive. 

Mildred. (To Tom. Indicates the Beechers) 
I can't leave company. 

Tom. (To the Beechers) Miss Carr — and I 
have an engagement ; do you mind if we run along? 

Mrs. Beecher. Why, of course not — though 
we're sorry to lose you. 

Mildred. We're late now. Sure you won't mind 



HER OWN MONEY. 59 

Beecher. Not at all. 

(Mr. and Mrs. Beecher have ad lib. zvith Tom and 
Mildred ajid insist that they go.) 

Mildred. So sorry to run away — like this. Good 
night. 

Tom. Good night. 

Mr. & Mrs. Beecher. Good night. 

(Tom and Mildred go out, outer hall) 

Beecher. (Looking after them) I suppose 
she's going to marry him. 

Mrs. Beecher. Yes. Poor girl. (Beecher 
glares at her angrily) Oh, by the way, are you 
mixed up in some kind of a deal with Alden? 

Beecher. No. 

Mrs. Beecher. Then why was he shaking hands 
with 3^ou so gratefully, and telling you how much 
he thinks of you ? 

Beecher. (Trying to appear unconcerned) Oh, 
I gave him a little information. 

Mrs. Beecpier. You gave it to him. No wonder 
we're poor — Didn't he make it worth your while ? 

Beecher. (Left centre) Oh, it wasn't — worth 
much. 

Mrs. Beecher. (Right centre) He gave you a 
check. 

Beecher. No, he didn't. 

Mrs. Beecher. Yes, he did. I saw him. 

Beecher. (Sourly) Well, what of it? 

Mrs. Beecher. Well, why didn't you say so in 
the first place ? Why did you hide it from me ? 

Beecher. (Suppressed anger) For the simple 
reason that it wasn't any of your business. (He 
goes left) This is entirely between Alden and my- 
self — I've a right to keep my business to myself. 

Mrs. Beecher. Then what did you marry me 
for — You keep your affairs to yourself, tight 



6o HER OWN MONEY. 

enough ; and you keep all the money to your- 
self. 

Beecher. (Uneasily) Dry up ; they'll hear you. 

Mrs. Beecher. Of course you don't want any- 
one to know how you mistreat me — but you've got 
to listen. You can't howl at me here — and shut me 
up — or threaten me as you do at home — and I'm 
going to speak my mind. You've got money — in 
your pocket — and I want some. 

Beecher. There's not enough to satisfy you— 
it's a little check. 

Mrs. Beecher. How much is it? Let me see. 
(Tries to get check) 

Beecher. No, I'm damned — if I do. (Pushes 
her hands aside) 

Mrs. Beecher. Harvey, don't you swear at me. 
We're not at home ; and I won't stand it. Now I 
want some of that money. 

Beecher. (Left) Now for once in your life 
be sensible. I'm telling you the truth. I can't give 
you any of this money — it's a loan. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, you borrozved it — from him. 

Beecher. No ; last night I borrowed it — for him 
— and he just paid me back. 

Mrs. Beecher. W^ell, if you can borrow money 
to give a strange man, you can borrow some for me 
— What right have you to borrow money — to lend 
him? 

Beecher. Oh, it's — it's a business deal. 

Mrs. Beecher. (She throzvs herself angrily to 
a seat on the conch) Another long shot, I suppose. 
(Scornfully) A business deal. Can't you tell a 
better lie than that? Borrowed money? Yon. 
Why your credit is nearly as bad as mine and I'm 
ashamed to look the grocer in the face — Who did 
you borrow it from ? 

Beecher. That is none of your business. 

Mrs. Beecher. Of course not. I'm only your 
wife. (Sniffles) You stingy thing. 



HER OWN MONEY. 6i 

Beecher. For God's sake, now, don't make a 
scene. 

Mrs. Beecher. It's all your fault — If you'd 
only treat me with a little consideration 

Beecher. Stop it, I tell you. They'll think I've 
been abusing you. 

Mrs. Beecher. (Tearful and angry) You have 
— and I won't stand it. Do you hear. I'm going 
home. (She goes up, he follows, she turns on him) 
You can stay, and play cards with your friends — 
the Aldens, if you like. I don't care what you do — 
(Going) See if you can find some kind of a lie 
to tell them about me when I'm gone. 

(She angrily goes into hall — then the outer door 
slams. Beecher stands looking after her un- 
decided and uncomfortable. Mary comes in 
from right.) 

Beecher. I hope you're feeling better. 

Mary. Oh, I'm quite all right, now. (She looks 
about) Where's Mrs. Beecher? 

Beecher. Mrs. Beecher — thought — that we had 
better not play cards to-night — and she's gone home. 

Mary. Oh, I'm so sorry. (She sits in arm- 
chair, right) 

Beecher. Yes, she was quite concerned about 
you — and she said she thought you would feel bet- 
ter if you were quiet — she asked me to make our ex- 
cuses, and say we'll come over — some other even- 
ing. 

Mary. Oh, I'm so sorry I've spoiled your even- 
ing. 

Beecher. Oh, don't mention it — not at all — 
We'll just have — a quiet evening at home — that is, I 
may go out — but I hope you'll soon feel yourself — 
And by the way. (He lozvers his voice) Things 
have turned out splendidly. Mr. Alden not only 
saved his investment but his deal went through to- 
day 



62 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. {Overjoyed) Oh!!! I am so glad — and 
I am so grateful to you. 

Beecher. There's the check. {He endorses it 
and offers it to her) 

Mary. Oh, no. I can't take it — he would see 
my endorsement on the check when the bank re- 
turns it to him. Then he would know — don't you 
see? 

Beecher. Yes. That's so. 

Mary. Deposit this check to your credit and 
give me your check. 

Beecher. I quite understand. {He replaces the 
check in his pocket, sits at her desk — scribbles his 
own check) 

Mary. {Looking over his shoulder) But this is 
for two thousand, five-hundred dollars. 

Beecher. Yes. He insisted on giving me some 
of the profit because I helped him out, and I 
couldn't refuse. 

(Mrs. Beecher appears in her window across the 
court; she zvatches. Beecher gives Mrs. 
Alden check.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Harvey ! Harvey Beecher ! 
What are you doing ? I saw you ! What are you 
giving that woman money for ? I saw you ! 

Mary. Oh ! {She looks and moves uneasily to- 
ward the right) 

Beecher. {Very angrily looks thro' zvindow) 
Shut up — will you? 

Mrs. Beecher. {Across the court) No; I won't 
shut up. (Beecher ^notions her to be still) No; I 
won't be still — 

(Beeecher angrily slams the zvindozv dozvn. At 
the same time Alden comes in, from right, 
surprised and astonished.) 

Alden. W^hat is it? What's the matter? 



HER OWN MONEY. 63 



^jr>' 



Mary. Oh, nothing. Nothing 

Beecher. (Very uneasily) Mrs. Beecher isn't 
feehng well. She felt compelled to go home. If 
you'll excuse me — I will also say good night. 

Alden. But won't you stay and have a game of 

Beecher. (Very uneasily) Oh, no. Not now. 
7\nother time. So sorry. Good night. 

(Mrs. Beecher in raging fury, opens the hall door 
and rushes into the room. All look at her sur- 
prised. ]\Iary and Beecher are discomfited.) 

Mary. Why did you give that woman money? 
(She points to Mary) 

Beecher. (Very sternly) See here; I've had 
enough of this. Come home, and if there's any- 
thing you want to know I'll tell you there. 

Mrs. Beecher. No; you'll tell me here. I'm 
not afraid of you, Harvey Beecher ! I want to know 
what's going on between you and Mrs. Alden. 

Alden. (Sternly) Why, what could go on be- 
tween ]Mr. Beecher and Mrs. Alden ? 

(Alden right. Mrs. Beecher up right centre. 
Beecher centre. Mary left.) 

Mrs. Beecher. That's what I want to find out. 
I've been begging him for money. Begging ! You 
understand? And he has none to give me. But 
he wrote a check for her. I saw him from the win- 
dow. I want to know why he wrote that check. 
I want to know why he gives her money! 

Beecher. That isn't true. 

Mrs. Beecher. It is true. 

Beecher. Nothing of the kind. (To Alden) I 
was explaining to Mrs. Alden why Mrs. Beecher 
went home — I was apologizing. Then we spoke of 
your business deal. I was trying to reassure her. 



64 HER OWN MONEY. 

She has been greatly \yorried about it. So I showed 
her the check you gave me. 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, yes — but you wouldn't show 
it to me. 

Beecher. Then it just occurred to me — I would 
endorse it — and I sat down at the desk by the win- 
dow — and endorsed it. (Pulls check from pocket) 
Here it is. (Holds it out to x\lden. Mrs. Beecher 
tries to snatch it, but he quickly puts it in his 
pocket) I'm going to mail it to my bank to-night. 
Mrs. Beecher saw IMrs. Alden and me through the 
window — and misconstrued the whole matter — very 
foolishly made a scene — I'm d — d sorry old man 



Mary. Don't you see, Lew — that was the way of 
it. {Humiliated) You understand now — don't 
you, Mrs. Beecher. 

(Mrs. Beecher sneers) 

Alden. (Going to Mary) Then Mr. Beecher 
wasn't giving you money ? 

Mary. Lew — why — should Mr. Beecher give me 
money ? 

Beecher. Yes. Why should I give Mrs. Alden 
money ? 

Alden. And it's all a ridiculous mistake? 

Mary. Of course. (She goes to him, and he 
slips an arm about her) 

Beecher. What else could it be? (He tries to 
laugh uneasily) 

Mrs. Beecher. Do you believe that idiotic 
story ? 

Alden. I believe what my wife tells me. 

Beecher. Now apologize — go on — square your- 
self. 

Mrs. Beecher. Apologize — Never. Not till this 
matter is explained to me. 

Mary. Mrs. Beecher, the only thing to be said 
is — -good night. 



HER OWN MONEY. 65 

Beecher. Certainly. Come on, let's go home. 
{Trying to urge her) When you're willing to listen 
to reason, I'll explain the whole thing. 

Mrs. Beecher. {To Beecher) No. {She 
sits) I'm not going home. (To Mary) You can't 
get rid of me so easily. 

Alden. {Sternly) Good night, Mrs. Beecher 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, you can let them pull the 
wool over your eyes if you like. They're both 
lying — I'll proz'e it to you nozv. My husband wrote 
a check for Mrs. Alden. (I saw him tear it out of 
his check-book.) He gave it to her. She tucked it 
in the bosom of her dress. (Mary unconsciously 
puts her hands on the bosom of her dress. As Lew 
looks at her, her hands move away) She's got it 
there now. Ask Beecher to show you his check 
book. He always puts down every check he draws. 
I've looked at his book when he's asleep 

Mary. ^ Lew, don't pay any attention — the wo- 
man is — is mad. 

Alden. Now, Beecher, we can clear up the 
Avhole thing. Show me your check-book and Mrs. 
Beecher will be satisfied. 

Beecher. {Frankly) I haven't my check-book 
with me, Alden 

(Mrs. Beecher has slipped up close to him and 
suddenly plunges her hand in his pocket and 
drags out check-book.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, hasn't he? (Beecher 
takes it from her. He puts it in his pocket) Oh, 
you brute — you hurt my hand. {To Alden) 
There's the check-book. {To Beecher) Show it 
to him — I dare you — go on. 

Alden. Do you care to show it to me, Beecher? 

Beecher. Isn't my assurance — my word good 
enough for you. Why it's like searching a man's 
pockets. 



66 HER OWN I\1()N]^Y. 

I\Irs. Beecher. Don't you see — he's afraid 

Alden. Mary — did Mr. Beecher give you a 
check? {Left centre) 

jN'Iary. Yes. (Mary standing with her back to 
the audience) 

Mrs. Beecher. There. You see? They've been 
Iyi}ig — nozv we'll get the truth. 

Alden. He gave you a check? 

Mary. Yes. 

Alden. What for? 

Mary. I can't tell you. 

Alden. You must. 

Mary. (Doggedly) I can't tell you. 

Alden. Give it to nie 

Mary. No. 

Alden. You won't give it to me ? 

Mary. No. 

Alden. You v/on't let me see it? 

Mary. You must trust me. 

Alden. Trust you — my God — And you — and he 
— have lied and lied — and lied. W^hat does it mean 
— why are you ashamed — or afraid — to tell me — 
why Beecher gave you money ? 

Mrs. Beecher. {Viciously) I always had my 
suspicions it was somebody. I didn't know it was 
you. {She moves np stage restlessly.) 

Mary. Oh — you — wretched — creature — you 

(Mrs. Beecher is about to retort — Beecher checks 

her.) 

Beecher. For God's sake keep quiet — You've 
made trouble 

Alden. Beecher. W^ill you tell me why you 
gave my wife money? 

Beecher. Yes. 

Mrs. Beecher. Now, we'll have more lies. 

Beecher. You insisted on my taking that profit 
— I don't want it. Don't think I was entitled to it — 
I just — gave it to her 



HER OWN IMONEY. (yj 

Alden. You gave five hundred dollars — to my 
wife? 

Mrs. Beecher. Eive hundred dollars to her: 
and I'm in debt. 

Beecher. (Laiuely) Later she meant to give it 
to you — (To Lew) 

Mary. {Wcepiurj — ashamed) Oh, Lew, this is 
dreadful — it's horrible — nothing like this has ever 
happened in our lives. Send this woman away — 
let's just you and I talk it over. I can explain all 
to you — really, Lew — everything 

Alden. No — by God — here and now. There's 
been too much lying and evasion. I want the truth 
now — do you understand — the truth, from both of 
you — and I'm going to have it — or 

Mary. (Seated on end of couch) You shall 
have the truth, then. All this is my fault. Don't 
blame Mr. Beecher. He's been trying to help me. 
And trying to help you. Lie gave me a check — it 
was due me. It was for a loan. 

Alden. A loan. Yoii loaned Beecher money? 

Mary. Yes. Yes. 

Alden. When? 

]\Iary. Last night. 

Alden. Why didn't you tell me? 

Mrs. Beecher. (To Beecher) And why didn't 
you tell inef 

Mary. It was a private matter between Mr. 
Beecher and myself. 

I\Irs. Beecher. Oh, icas it. (SJie goes across to 
right centre leaving Beecher right) I won't have 
my husband having secrets with other women about 
money — You could loan him money, but when I 
asked you for three dollars to pay the plumber 

Beecher. So it was three dollars 

(Mrs. Beecher goes up disconcerted.) 

Alden. How much did you lend Mr. Beecher ? 
Mary. Not much — all I had. 



68 HER OWN MONEY. 

Alden. Was this before I came home? 

Maey. No. 

Alden. After? 

Mary. Yes. 

Alden. Why didn't you ask me, Beecher ? 

Beecher. Mrs. Alden will tell you. 

Alden. (Fiercely) Yoit tell me 

Mary. No. riftell you 

Alden. (Puts her aside and confronts Beecher) 
No. Last night you borrowed money from my wife 
— you both kept it a secret — then you turn around — 
and lend two thousand dollars to me. 

Mrs. Beecher. Two thousand dollars — When 
did you get two thousand dollars? 

Alden. Don't you see how idiotic that sounds. 
Don't you see how it looks. 

Mary. But it's true, Lew. It's true. You must 
believe me. 

Beecher. This is rotten. I've had enough. (He 
goes up to right centre by hallway arch) 

Alden. Hold on Beecher. You can't go yet — 
(Follow him) 

Beecher. (Angrily — turns) See here, Alden — 
you. can't keep me if I don't want to stay 

Alden. I'll try. (Faces Beecher in a threaten- 
ing manner) 

Mary. (Frightened) Oh, no, no, for God's sake 
— Here's the check he gave me. (Shows Alden 
check) 

Alden. (Reads check) Two thousand five hun- 
dred dollars. ( To Mary) What did you lend him ? 

Mary. Two thousand dollars. 

Alden. Why did you loan him two thousand 
dollars 

Mary. So he could lend it to you. 

Beecher. Don't you see, Alden — it was her 
money that pulled you through to-day. (To Mrs. 
Beecher — sarcastically) Come on. (Urging her 
toivard hallway. They go out) 



HER OWN AIONEY. C; 

Alden. {To Mary) Your money? 
Mary. Mine. 

THE CURTAIN BEGINS TO FALL SLOWLY. 

It was my money that saved you, Lew. {She 
advances tozvard him, but he looks at her in a cold 
fury. She continues to try to explain) I meant to 
tell you — don't you understand — I wanted to help 
you 

THE CURTAIN FALLS ON THE FIRST 
SCENE OF THE SECOND ACT. 

SCENE SECOND. 

Scene: — The same apartment an hour later. The 
curtain rises. Mildred's key is heard in the 
lock. The door opens. Mildred comes in. 
Tom stands uncertainly in the hall. 

Mildred. {Formally) Won't you come in? 

Tom. {Dryly) Thanks. {He comes in, closes 
door, and follozvs Mildred dozvn) 

Mildred. {Formally) Sit down. {She slowly 
takes off gloves c.) 

Tom. {Sits right, then looks at zvatch) Why 
come home at nine o'clock ? We can fight just as 
well in the street. 

Mildred. {Icily) I don't care to '' fight " any- 
where. {She looks uneasily at back room and dis- 
covers it is empty) The Beechers must have gone 
home 

Tom. {Goes to her, centre) See here, little girl; 
we've been playing at cross purposes all evening. I 
wish you'd tell me just what you want. 

Mildred. I want you to be reasonable. 

Tom. Reasonable. You mean you want me to 
say I agree with you— when I don't. 



70 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mildred. No, but you won't be serious. You 
insist on treating me like a child. I've been trying to 
explain my point of view to you — and you go right 
on basing everything on your own. 

Tom. I'm doing the best I can to get on a work- 
ing basis. What do you want to know? I've told 
you my salary — I've told you how much I've saved — 

Mildred. That isn't it — It wouldn't make a bit 
of difference to me if you hadn't saved a dollar 

Tom. You don't think you could trust me 

Mildred. Oh, yes, I know I could Tommy, if 
you'd see things the right way — and say the right 
thing. 

Tom. All right, what is the right thing? I'll say 
it 

Mildred. I can't tell you. 

Tom. You can't tell me? Then how do you 
expect me to know vv^hat to say? 

jMildred. It must come from yourself. You 
must think of it. 

Tom. Let me get this right. You're not going 
to marry me until I convince myself that I'm wrong, 
and say something that I don't seem to be able to 
think of, now, and you can't tell me. 

Mildred. I'd tell you if I could. I can't. 

Tom. It's perfectly clear. 

Mildred. You will think of it. You must. I 
know it will come to you because you're fair, and I 
know you want me to be happy. 

Tom. I'll go home and think it over. 

Mildred. I hope — this hasn't spoiled your even- 
ing. 

Tom. Oh, no. I'm as happy as a blind man at a 
moving picture shov/. Good-night. 

Mildred. Good-night. {He goes out. Rhoda 
dressed for the street, comes from right) Are you 
going home, now, Rhoda ? 

Rhoda. Yassum. Dinner dishes is all cleaned 

tip. _ 



lliiR OWN AlONEV. 71 

IMiLDRED. I see. I suppose you've got to hurry 
along to get supper for Porter, eh? 

Rhoda. No, ma'am. I ain't married no mo'. 

jMildred. What's become of your husband? 

RiiODA. A year ago he done married another lady 
without tellin' me nothin' about it. I don't want him 
round no mo'. He never was no good anyhow. 
Always shootin' craps. I ain't gwine to get married 
agin — foh a while. 

Mildred. {Looks in hack room) The Beechers 
must have gone home early. 

Rhoda. {Mysteriously) Yassum — Dey done 
gone home. 

Mildred. Is anything the matter ? 

Rhoda. Mis' Alden, she's layin' down in her 
room, an' Mr. Alden, he's walkin' up and down in 
his room — a cussin'. 

Mildred. {Distressed) I wonder what's wrong? 

Rhoda. I dunno — I couldn't make head er tail 
of it from de kitchen — Ain't nothin' I kin do before 
I go — is they ? 

Mildred. No thank you, Rhoda. (Rhoda turns 
out hall light) Good-night. 

Rhoda. Good-night. (Rhoda goes quietly out. 
Mary comes from right and is apparently surprised 
to see Mildred) 

Mary. I thought you and Tommy went for a 
walk. 

Mildred. We did. We had a scrap. He's gone 
home. 

{Through the ivindozv comes the voice of Mrs. 
Beecher. Mary listens distressed and Mil- 
dred is astonished.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Oh, I know what a perfectly 
lovely woman Mrs. Alden is. Butter wouldn't melt 
in her mouth. Just the same — if you ever speak to 



72 HER OWN MONEY. 

her again — I won't shut up. I don't care if every- 
body in the house knows what I think of her 

Mildred. (Closing curtain on windozv) Why 
did she say that — Have you had trouble ? 

Mary. Oh, dreadful — disgraceful. I'm so 
ashamed — everyone on the court heard it, of course. 

Mildred. Was it about cards? 

Mary. I'll tell you all about it to-morrow. Not 
now — please. 

Mildred. Oh, Mary, dear, I'm so sorry. Can I 
do anything? 

Mary. Nothing. 

(Alden opens the door of his den in the halhvay, 
right, and comes into the room. He is some- 
what disheveled, but looks determined and 
stern.) 

Alden. Mary and I have something to talk over 
Mildred — Run along, there's a good girl. 

Mildred. Of course. (To Mary) Good-night. 
Good-night, Lew. 

Alden. Good-night. (Mary sits in alcove room. 
Lew sloivly crosses left) We've got to talk this 
thing over. I want to know where I stand. Mary — 
you humiliated me to-night in a way that I can't 
understand — can never forget. I hardly feel that I 
can ever forgive it — but I'm going to try. I'm going 
to find out your reason — for you must have had a 
reason — you surely didn't do it wantonly 

Mary. No. God knows I didn't mean to hurt 
you. Lew. You know that. I wouldn't have done it 
for the world. Never since we've been married — 
has anything like this happened — it's terrible. It's 
hurt me — dreadfully. 

{The rancorous voice of Mrs. Beecher floats 
through the window.) 

Mrs. Beecher. Well, suppose I did lie to you 



HER OWN ^>10NEY. 73 

aliout the plumber's bill. Every v/oman lies to her 
husband. She has to ; your fine Mrs. Alclen lied to 
her husband 

Alden. That's a nice thing, isn't it? {He goes 
right centre. Mary quickly goes to zvindow and 
closes it) Sure to give the neighbors a good opinion 
of us 

Mary. Don't listen — don't pay any attention. 
(Mary left. Lew right centre) 

Aeden. It seems you have — two thousand dollars. 

Mary. Yes. 

Aeden. You've had it — for some time. 

Mary. Yes. 

Alden. And you never told me. 

Mary. I never told you. 

Alden. Why ? 

Mary. {Very ill at ease) I always meant to tell 
}0u — when the time cam.e 

Alden. What time? 

Mary. The time — when vv^e Vv^ere to use it 

Alden. Oh — ivc were to use it 

Mary. It was for us 

Alden. But vou didn't think the time had come, 
last night ? 

Mary. No — I thought you'd be glad — proud of 
me, when I finally told you 

Alden. But you see — you didn't tell me — I found 
it out. 

Mary. Because I helped you. Remember that — 
you're out of your difficulty 

Alden. You're not asking me to be grateful for 
that, are you? I'd rather have borrowed from any 
stranger. I'd rather have lost the money at stake — 
than to have had you do the rotten thing you did. 

Mary. Lew — that's cruel — that's unjust. 

Alden. Cruel? Why you huniiliated me — be- 
fore Beecher and his wife. You lielped me, yes — • 
and you did it in such a way that my only feeling is 
shame. 



74 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. No. You're wrong. (Kneeling on conch 
facing him — hands on table) Mr. Beecher under- 
stands. I explained it to him. 

Alden. Of course. {He sits facing her) Now 
I want you to explain it to me. You and Beecher 
conspired. 

Mary. No, no. He only did — what I asked him. 

Alden. Then this brilliant idea was all your own. 
I needed money. You had it. You didn't loan it to 
me. You loaned it to Beecher. He loaned it to me. 
God, what a fool he must have thought me, when I 
v/as thanking him — Well, why did you do it? Why 
didn't you loan the money to met 

Mary. Oh, I know now — that is what I should 
have done. 

y\LDEN. You must have had some kind of a 
reason. What was it ? — What was your reason ? 

Mary. I thought you might feel more content to 
make a business arrangement with — another busi- 
ness man — I thought for me to loan it, might hurt 
your pride 

Alden. Is that what you told Beecher? 

Mary. Yes — I told him that I had been opposed 
to this particular deal 

Alden. But you didn't know anything about it — 
Why should you lie to him ? 

Mary. (Rising) Lie — Oh, Lew 

Alden. It wasn't the truth — was it? 

Mary. (After a pause) No. (Turning azvay) 

Alden. Then, what was it? (He zvaits. She 
does not anszver) For some reason — you deceived 
Beecher — for the same reason that you hid the thing 
from me. So you didn't want to hurt my pride? 
(Scornfully) My pride — you thought I wouldn't 
care if the Beechers knew I was short of money — 
and had made a fool deal I couldn't swing. You 
didn't think that would hurt my pride. 

Mary. No, I didn't think — I admit it was 
thoughtless — (In chair left) 



HER OWN MONEY. 75 

Alden. (Firmly) Mary, that isn't your reason. 
It doesn't sound straight. You know it — You know 
I won't stop until I find out. (He approaches her 
and. stands before her) So tell me — What — zvas — 
your — reason? Were you afraid I'd take the money 
from you? Were you afraid you wouldn't get it 
back ? 

Mary. (Looking up slozdy. Faintly) Yes. 

Alden. What ? 

Mary. (Desperately) That's just it, Lew — I 
was afraid I wouldn't get it back. 

xA.LDEN. That sounds like the truth at last. 

Mary. It is the truth — Oh, Lew, don't let it hurt 
you. 

Alden. Hurt? (Walks azvay — up left, humil- 
iated) It would take a good deal to hurt me nozv — 
Were you afraid I \yould lose it? 

Mary. So afraid — I tliought it might be involved 
in a business deal — and left — tied up — in your busi- 
ness — but I knew if you borrowed money from Mr. 
Beecher — you v/ould be sure to — repay it 

Alden. No quicker than I would have repaid 
you. (He reaches chair from desk and sits facing 
her) Have I ever taken money of yours — and re- 
fused to give it back — Have I ? 

Mary. Not refused — neglected. 

Alden. Neglected — what do you mean? 

Mary. I — I didn't mean to remind you of it — I 
wouldn't have spoken of it — but you made me, Lew 
— you made me. 

Alden. (In cold rage) So that's what you're 
thinking of — that live hundred dollars you let me 
have — years ago. 

Mary. Years a.^o 

Alden. But I've explained that to you twenty 
times — I never refused to pay you back — I've al- 
ways regarded it as a loan, I always intended to pay 
— when convenient. 

Mary. Yes — but it never was convenient. I 



7< 



HER OWN MONEY. 



know you always meant to but you've never done 
it 

Alden. I always paid you the interest — just as I 
would have paid any business man — I was scrup- 
ulous — about it — but you know how my business 
is — I always need all the ready money I can get. 
You never asked me for it. 

Mary. And if the two thousand had been 
swallowed up in your business I should always have 
hesitated to ask for that. 

Alden. I see. {He rises) Well, you've ex- 
plained. You don't trust me — but you trust Beecher 
— you thought I'd take your money 

Mary. Not take it — lose it 

Alden. Well, suppose I had lost it. 

Mary. That's what I couldn't bear to face. 

Alden. But wouldn't you rather have lost it 
than have this rotten thing happen ? 

Mary. (Greatly agitated) But, Lew, you don't 
understand — you don't realize — this money means 
so much to me. 

Alden. It must. Vv'here did you get it? (Lean- 
ing over table) 

Mary. Saved it 

Alden. Saved it? 

Mary. Out of what you gave me- 



Alden. Then you didn't v/ork for it — didn't earn 
it 

Mary. (Excited and distressed) Yes — I earned 
it. By the hardest Vv^ork a woman has to do — and 
the worst paid — I watched the pennies — I haggled 
with tradesmen, I denied myself — I did without — 
(you will never appreciate the economies I practised 
— only a woman v/ould understand) — it took me 
years — (She goes up) 

Alden. But why scrape as if I stinted you — I 
didn't ask it. I've always given you everything in 
reason — if I should die — I carry a heavy life in- 
surance — (He goes right centre) 



HER OWN MONEY. *]^ 

Mary. {She comes to him) Oh, I had a reason. 
That's what I'm trying to explam. I have always 
wanted to Hve in the country. I've always wanted 
to own a home — our home — for you and me — It 
seemed that your work demanded — all your effort — 
and all your money so I thought — if I could save 
enough to start — I might persuade you to live out 
of town, if you thought it would make me happy — 
and to-day Tommy Hazelton found a place — Here 
is the picture. {Shows him photograph) ^ I meant 
to surprise you to-night — I meant to talk it all over 
with you — and tell you I had the money — I thought 
you'd be so glad — so proud of me — fifteen hundred 
down — This evening I wrote a letter (She sh.ozvs 
him a letter in a light blue envelope) to Tommy 
Hazleton, telling him we would see the place and — 
very likely — take it. I felt so sure you would — Read 
the letter I wrote to Tommy. Don't you see. It 

was all for us — and I meant to tell you to-night 

Alden. (Impatiently) I understand — never 

mind 

Mary. Don't you believe me? 
Alden. I don't care. (He drops letter on table) 
It doesn't make any difference — I know where I 
stand. What I hate, about this, is your secrecy, 
your lack of trust in me. It was low — dishonorable. 
(Mary becomes angry) And it has made me 

suffer 

Mary. (Angrily) You, you, you, always you; 
you think of yourself. Your suffering, your humil- 
iation — mine has been worse. Think of what I 
endured from Mrs. Beecher. All that you bear, I 
bear too and I feel that I brought it about through 

my thoughtlessness 

Alden. (Furiously) Thoughtlessness? Sneaky 

selfishness 

Mary. (More angrily) You shan't speak to me 
like that — I don't care what I've done I won't stand 
it. I've explained — and I've told you the truth — 



78 HER OWN MONEY. 

I've tried to give my reasons — but your pride has 
been hurt — your vanity Avounded — It doesn't make 
any difference to you that I am just torn to pieces 
about this — you can only see your side of it 

Alden. You haven't thought of anything but 
your money 

Mary. I tell you I was afraid you'd sink it in 
your business — ^your business — your business. 

Alden. You seem to have a grudge against my 
business — it has meant as much to you as it has to 
me. If it wasn't for my business — and me — where 
would you be ? 

Mary. Mailing my own living I suppose. 

Alden. You wouldn't find it easy. 

Mary. I did it once 

Alden. You couldn't do it now. 

Mary. I could — Do you want me to make my 
living again ? 

Alden. I'll see that you're taken care of. (She 
looks at him curiously) You got your money back 
— and tlie five hundred — ^back too — every cent of it. 
That's just like a woman to throw that up to me. 

Mary. Just like a man to keep it. 

Alden. You've written to Tommy Hazleton you 
say about the place. (He carelessly handles letter) 

Mary. It was only to be if you wanted to — if 
you were willing 

Alden. I suppose that can be arranged, if you 
like, — on a business basis 

]\Iary. I don't quite understand — you say — the 
place — can be arranged. 

Alden. If that's the way you want to live 

Mary. But you 

x\lden. Leave me out of it — I don't count. 

Mary. Oh, Lew, don't be so hard, so cold. 
Listen, Lew — I'll apologize — I'm sorry — I was 
wrong. I ask you to forgive me — I was wrong — I'm 
sorry. I've apologized — What more can I do? 



HER OWN MONEY. 79 

Alden. There's nothing you can do — there's 
nothing to be done. 

Mary. Bnt things can't go on hke this- 



Alden. No. Not exactly h"ke this — You've put 
things on a business basis. We'll keep them there. 

Mary. Does it mean that we are no longer to be 
— husband and wife? Lew, you're not thinking of 
thatr 

Alden. No matter how long we live, things can 
never again be the same between us. 

Mary. You mean you don't care for me any 
Ioniser ? 

Alden. Would you expect me to go on carmg 
for you, after a thing like this? 

Mary. You don't — care — for me — any longer? 
But surely this one trouble hasn't killed all your 
afifection ? 

Alden. It isn't this one trouble. It's what has 
gone before. Your loan to Beecher was no sudden, 
impulsive move. It was the result of secrecy, and 
concealment, which have gone on for years. You've 
been a long time hoarding that money. Every dollar 
is a doubt of me. All through our married life 
there's been fear and doubt — of me — and I never 
knew — Even when you told me you loved me — you 
were on your guard. The thing that hurts me is the 
fact that you don't trust me — that you have never 
trusted me. It isn't the Beecher affair that stings — 
it's the years of secrecy, the years of mistrust. 

Mary. (Dully) What are you going to do? 
What do you want me to do — Do you want me — to 
— leave you ? 

Lew. (Bitterly) I'll save you the trouble. 

Mary. My God how can you say such a thing to 
me? 

Lewis. Now I know the truth and it's worse than 
I thought. Your trust in me has gone — My affec- 
tion has gone with it. I'm done. 



8o HER OWN MONEY. 

]\Iary. Oh, Lew, what a terrible thing you're 
thinking of doing 

Lewis. I'm done I tell you 

Mary. Oh, no, you'll think better of this to- 
morrow 

Lewis. I'm going 



Mary. No- 
Lewis. Now 

Mary. Stay here and talk to me. Let me talk to 
you — {She clings to Iiim) At least wait until to- 
morrow ; give your anger a chance to cool. I know 
if you go away in this mood, you'll be — merciless — 
{He tries to release himself from her but she clasps 
his hands) Lew — dear — think of all the years v/e've 
been together. 

Lewis. "Why didn't you think of them? 

Mary. Why, you mustn't leave me. I couldn't 
bear it — you'd be unhappy too — who'd take care of 
you. I've apologized — I was wrong. I'll say it over 
and over again. I'm sorry. Oh, so sorry. I'll 
endure my punishment rather than that. I don't 
want the money — or the house — or anything — I 
don't ask you to care for me — only — don't leave me. 
{She throws her arms about his neck) No. No. 
Not that. You mustn't. You shan't. I'm your 
wife. Lew. Your wife 

Lewis. It's no use Mary. 

Mary. It's cruel — and I don't deserve it — Oh, 
you're making me so miserable — so unhappy. {She 
follozvs him pleading — zveeping — inarticulate) Lew 
— for God's sake don't leave me — I love you — 
You're breaking my heart — {He releases himself and 
goes out) Lew — Lew — {The door closes. Mary 
reels into a chair) He's gone. He's gone. 

CURTAIN. 



HER OWN MONEY. 8i 



ACT III. 

Tlie Third Act takes place at Locust Hill the 
home of Mrs. Alden, on Long Island, in June of the 
next year. 

On the Right is a pretty stucco cottage— two 

stories high. There is a little porch, with a step 

leading to it — which runs in a curve : The roof is 

supported by two pillars. The main entrance to the 

house opens off this porch and runs straight up and 

down the stage. A large French window also opens 

on the porch from a portion of the house, running 

across the stae-e. There is also a large window to 

the left of the porch. There are four upstairs 

windows : on each of these there is a window box 

of flowers. On the left of the stage running straight 

up and down is the main road. A high, well-trimmed 

hedge separates this road from the lawn. There is 

a gate hung between two large white posts. There 

is a locust°tree in the Centre of the stage, in full 

bloom. A curved bench is placed about the foot of 

it. There are three locust trees outside the hedge in 

a line, up and dov^^l stage. All in full bloom. A 

hedge runs across the stage from right to left at back. 

A stile in the Centre of this gives access to the 

chicken run and as this rises as it reaches the back 

of the stage, the chickens can be plainly seen. In 

the foreground, at back, are chicken houses, and 

runs, enclosed in wire fence. In the background is a 

Long Island Country side. Such of the furnishings 

of the house, as can be seen, indicate a plain but 

comfortable home. 



82 HliR OWN MONEY. 



ACT III. 

Scene : — When the curtain rises, Mildred is dis- 
covered feeding chickens. 

Mildred. (Caning) Chick, Chick, Chickee, 
Chickee. 

RiiODA. (Off) Get out o' heah. Go on. (She 
appears driving a chicken out of the house) De 
parlor ain't no place for a chicken. She — (Sees 
Mildred) Lawsee. Is you feedin' dem chickens 
agin ? 

Mildred. They're hungry. 

Rhoda. You can't fill up a chicken nohow — Day's 
wuss'n boarders. First thing you know dey gwine 
to have de gout, or de pip, or whatever it is — dey 
gits. 

Mildred. (Showing pan to chickens) Empty. 
All gone. 

RnoDA. Ef dey ain't had enough let 'em go an' 
eat bugs. Whut time you 'low Miss Mary be home 
from de poultry show. 

Mildred. She'll be here in time for dinner. 

Rhoda. I hope so. I didn't sleep a wink last 
night, I was so skeered. Every time a chicken 
snored I thought it was a burglar. I hate to do it, 
but I gwine to leave you ; I'm gwine to tell Mis' 
Mary when she gets home. 

Mildred. Why, Rhoda, we can't get on without 
you. 

Rhoda. I wouldn't keer if dey wuz a man on de 
place at night. But jest three women all by our- 
selves — um — um. De country ain't no place fo' a 
nervous woman. 

Mildred. Oh, you mustn't leave us, Rhoda — 



HER OWN MONEY. 83 

Talk it over with Mary; she'll be here now — very 
soon. (Looking at zvatch) Mr. Hazleton is going 
to bring her over from the station in his car. 

RiiODA. Mr. Hazleton been mighty convenient 
with dat car, ain't he ? Jess seems like he has busi- 
ness somewhere round dat depo' every night when 
yo'all git home. 

Mildred. {A trifle dignified) Mr. Hazleton's 
firm is promoting Grasslands Improvements. It's 
only five m.iles from here. It's perfectly natural 
that he should have business — or — or come see his 
old friends 

Rhoda. Yassum. It's nachel enough. (Care- 
lessly) And I reckon he got plenty o' time to spare. 
Grasslands don't 'mount to much. 

Mildred. (Indignantly) Why, Rhoda, Grass- 
lands is over half sold, ft's doing splendidly. And 
it's all Mr. Hazleton's vvork. He's one of the best 
real estate men on the Island. He's making lots of 
money and he's saving it. 

(Rhoda slyly chuckles. The noise of a car is heard 
off, left. Mildred goes to gate, and looks out. 
Waves her handkerchief.) 

Rhoda. Is dat I\Iis' Mary? 

Mildred. Yes. She's coming. (Calling) Hello, 
Mary. H^ello, Tommy. (The car stops in front of 
gate) So glad you've come, dear. 

Tommy. (Off) Thank you. CKuod a chuckles) 

Mildred. Oh, I wasn't talking to you. You 
silly thing. 

(Mary comes through gate carrying a pretty game 

cock.) 

Mary. Hov/ are you, dear — Is everything all 
right, Rhoda? 

Rhoda. Yassum. 

Mildred. I hope you're not tired. 



84 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. Not a bit — Had a lovely day. 

(Tommy Hazleton comes through gate.) 

Tommy. Hello. 

Mildred. Hello. 

Mary. Well, Rhoda — do you see that? {She 
points to blue ribbon on the game cock) 

Rhoda. What y'all got William Henry dressed 
up fo' like dat? 

Mary. William Henry — your own pride and joy, 
won a blue ribbon. 

Rhoda. {Pleased) Lawsee, you don't mean it. 
{Takes game cock) Chile — I'm proud of you. 
Mammy's pet. {To Mary) Did he lick all dem 
other chickens? 

Mary. Why, Rhoda, they didn't let him fight. 

Rhoda. Den hovv^ come dey know he's de best 
chicken ? 

Mary. They judge them on points. 

Rhoda. Yassum, but fightin' is dis chicken's 
strong point. 

Mary. Any more little ones to-day? {She goes 
to porch and takes off dust coat and veil) 

Rhoda. Yassum. Four broods an' about four 
hundred orphans. 

Tommy. Orphans? 

Rhoda. De kind dey hatches in dat incumbaker. 

Mildred. {Laughing) Rhoda has a grudge 
against the incubator. 

Rhoda. Yassum. Dat's no way to disappoint a 
hen. No wonder dey hides off in a corner an' sets 
on a bunch o' door knobs. (Rhoda goes out with 
the game cock) 

Mary. Put away the car, Mr. Hazleton, and have 
supper with us. 

Mildred. Yes, Tommy, do. 

Tommy. Will you go for a ride, after supper? 

Mildred. If you like. 



HER OWN MONEY. 85 

(Tommy smiles at Mildred and starts out of gate.) 

Mary. Oh, Mr. Hazleton, will you please bring 
my bag. 

Tommy. Oh, of course. Excuse me. I over- 
looked it. (He goes out) 

]\IiLDRED. Well, how was the poultry show ? 

Mary. Lovely. They had some of the dearest 
birds — I made friends with the finest Turkey. 

Mildred. See anyone you know — any old friends 
I mean. 

Mary. I happened to meet Tvlrs. Sam Ames. 
She asked me where we were living. She doesn't 
know — that Lew, and I — (Hesitates) 

Mildred. No, of course not. It's a wonder Mrs. 
Beecher didn't tell every one in town. 

Mary. Thank Heaven, Airs. Beecher doesn't 
know any of our friends 

Mildred. And I don't suppose she has any of 
her ovvai. While you, were in town — This came for 
you. (SJie takes a letter from the bosom of her 
dress, and gives it to Mary, zvho takes it from her, 
and looks at it, then crumples it in her hand, un- 
opened) Aren't you going to read it? 

Mary. No. 

Mildred. It might be important — You might 
want to answer it. (Mary shakes her head) Mary, 
do you think things will always be like this. Aren't 
you ever going to forgive him ? 

Mary. Why should I ? 

Mildred. Why — because he's such a baby — All 
men are like that.' Lew is a little more peppery than 
most men, but he can't help his temper. He flared 
i^ip — Now, he's sorry. He was sorry the next 
day. 

Mary. Lew went away — he — left me — I waited. 
I gave him his chance — Now — it is too late 

Mildred. Oh, don't say that — it will mean such 
unhappiness 



86 HER OWN MONEY. 

jNIary. Why should you care, if Lew is un- 
happy 

Mildred. I was thinking of you Mary — you're 
unhappy — You miss him — I know you do. 

Mary. Yes — I miss Lew — {She turns away. 
Rhoda appears on porch) 

Rhoda. Mis' Mary, is Mr. Hazleton gwine to 
stay to supper ? 

Mary. Yes — Rhoda. 

Rhoda. {Disgusted) Nothin' but baked beans, 
an' fo' miles from a sto'. 

(Enter Tommy r. cheerfully swinging bag.) 

Mary. Why don't you kill a chicken? 

Rhoda. Every time he comes out here I kill a 
chicken — if I feed him any more chicken he'll begin 
to flap his wings and cackle. 

Tommy. Here's your bag, Mrs. Alden. 

Mary. Oh — careful, please — There's a dozen 
eggs in there — and they cost me a dollar a piece 

Tommy. What are they, ostrich eggs? 

Mildred. I'm going to get some of the little 
chickens to show Tommy. (Mildred runs out) 

Tommy. Rhoda, I'll turn this oyer to you. 
{Gives her bag) 

Rhoda. Yes, suh. Ef you want to wash yo' 
hands — befo' supper, eyerything is ready in de guest 
chamber. I hope y'all ain't yery hungry. We got 
beans fo' supper. 

Tommy. {Joking manner) Nothing could be 
better. See that my bean is well done and baked on 
both sides. {He laughs at Rhoda and goes in) 

Rhoda. He sho' is de most comical gentleman — 
always jokin' 

Mary. {Beneath tree) Aren't the locust trees 
loyely? All full of bloom 

Rhoda. Yassum. An' all full o' bees 



HER OWN MONEY. 87 

Mary. Tni afraid you don't like the country, 
Rhoda. 

Rhoda. Who — me? No, suh. I can't stand it, 
Mis' Mary, I'm goin' to beat it back to town. 

Mary. Oh, it's ever so much nicer out here. It's 
clean — and sweet — and quiet. 

Rhoda. De quiet is gettin' on my nerves. Dey's 
never no excitement, h'ke a fire, or a fight. I sho' 
do love sompin' doin'. At home, I could put my 
haid outen de window an' hear de elevated — Some- 
times I git so hongry, fo' jest one smell, o' de sub- 
way, um — um. 

Mary. Oh, I'm so sorry you don't like it here. 
I hoped you would — I love it — and I'm happy 

Rhoda. 'Deed you ain't. 

Mary. Rhoda. 

Rhoda. No, suh. Yo' certainly am spirited — 
You ain't never let on — not a word — You's de 
spunkiest lady ever I see. But you an' me is a 
couple o' near widows — an' we ain't happy. 

Mary. And you're going to leave me? 

Rhoda. Lawd knows I hates to go, but I can't 
stand it, out here. (She begins to snivel softly) 
I'll stay till de end o' de month. 

(Enter Mildred from behind house. She carries a 
couple of tiny yellozv chicks.) 

Mildred. Now don't be afraid — nobody's going 
to hurt you and pretty soon you'll be back under 
mother's wing. 

Rhoda. Dat incumbaker ain't got no wings. 
(She goes into house R., takes bag, veil, coat, pan) 

Mildred. Where's Tommy? 

Mary. Upstairs. 

Mildred. (Calling) Tommy — Tommy — I've got 
something to show vou. 

Tommy. (Off) ^Vhat is it. 

Mildred. Hurry down. 



88 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mary. {Looks at chicks) Handling is bad for 
the little chicks. 

Mildred. Oh, is it? As soon as Tommy sees 
them, I'll put them back. 

(Tom Hazleton comes from house and joins them. 
She shozvs Jiim baby chicks.) 

Tommy. What is it — a powder puff? 

Mildred. Baby chicks. Aren't they pretty. I 
love 'em when they're like this. 

Tommy. (Strokes one) Nice fur. 

Mary. (Takes them) It will soon be time for 
all good little chicks to go beddy bye. (To Tommy 
and Mildred) Don't go rambling off and be late 
for supper. (She quietly goes out whispermg to 
chicks. Tommy stands by gate looking out) 

Mildred. Have a Rose. (She puts it in his 
buttonhole) 

Tommy. The decorative eft'ect must be very 
pleasing. 

Mildred. (Fastening it in buttonhole. Winces) 
Oh ! ' 

Tommy. Pin? 

Mildred. (Shozvs her finger) Thorn. (He 
looks at finger — kisses it) Now, Tomimy — No — 
*' sentiment." 

Tommy. (Resumes merely friendly attitude) 
No sentiment. 

Mildred. (Cautions him) Remember our 
agreement 

Tommy. (Lightly) Be it known to. all men by 
these presents — That the party of the first part, and 
the party of the second part agree to disagree — re- 
garding the state of matrimony. 

Mildred. Now, Tommy, what's the use of going 
all over that again. On certain subjects we think 
differently. Oh, I know you can't see my point of 
view 



HER OWN MONEY. 89 

Tommy. I can see it, but I don't like it — " ]\Iar- 
riage — is business." 

Mildred. I don't like you to say such things to 
me. And I don't Hke you to think them. — Do you 
remember — a year ago — you told me ]^>Iary and her 
husband — were a happy couple. 

Tommy. Vvxll — they zvere happy 

Mildred. She wasn't 

Tom. Lew thought the world of her 

Mildred. And she thought the world of him. 
Well — just one thing went wrong. See the result — 
They haven't seen each other for a year. They will 
very likely never see each other again. 

Tommy. I wonder. {He glances tozvard the 
gate) 

Mildred. Oh, no. He doesn't care any more. 
(Tommy smiles to himself) And I don't think she 
cares about him 

Tommy. She's not happy 

Mildred. No. I suppose it takes time to get 
over a blovv^ such as she had — But she's — indepen- 
dent — She's done splendidly. She's succeeded. 

Tommy. Don't forget, you helped. 

Mildred. Yes. For a year all my spare money 
has gone in the business. I'll share the profit — And 
it's beginning to come in — It's nice — having a share 
in a business 

Tommy. Yes. I've been thinking — of — forming 
a " partnership." (He looks at her in a longing way 
— which she does not notice) 

Mildred. Real estate? 

Tommy. No. Not real estate. 

Mildred. Oh, then you'll give up real estate. 

Tommy. Not at all. This will be a venture in — 
{He looks slyly at her) another direction. {He 
gives her a look zvhich she does not notice) 

Mildred. But, Tommy, you're so busy — Will you 
have time to attend to it? 



90 HER OWN ]\IONEY. 

Tommy. Oh, it won't take all my time — and I'll 
leave a good deal of it to my partner. 

Mildred. Oh, your — partner understands the 
business. 

Tommy. (Again casting a sly glance at her) 
Apparently, much better than I do. 

Mildred. Who is it ? 

Tommy. You. 

Mildred. Now Tommy 

Tommy. Wait. This isn't a proposal. It's a busi- 
ness proposition. First of all, suppose we go in a 
partnership — for life. Of course, you would have 
to leave the firm you're with — but anyone in busi- 
ness — does that — when they try something new. 
The income of the new firm — is their joint property 
— and the party of the first part, and the party of the 
second part both have access, to the books. The 
parties hereto shall agree on a certain sum, for the 
support and maintenance, of their joint establish- 
ment, to wit : — a home — the remainder of the afore- 
said income shall be divided equally between the two 
parties hereto to have and to hold — to blow or to 
save — without let or hindrance 

Mildred. Oh, stop, stop. (He hesitates) 
Tommy, that's dear of you. I've been waiting to 
hear you say something like that, for a long time. 

Tommy. Hooray, I've said the right thing at 
last. 

Mildred. (With feeling) Oh, it isn't that I'm 
selfish — or mercenary — or don't trust you — but when 
I see the wreck and misery of people's lives — simply 
because they haven't had a clear sensible under- 
standing. 

ToMM\^ (Sincerely) We'll have no wreck, little 
girl — And when shall the new firm — incorporate? 

Mildred. Oh, not for ever so long — I can't leave 
Mary. She needs me — She needs my help — She'd 
be alone 



HER OWN MONEY. 91 

Tommy. It might happen that your sister — and 
her husband- 



MiLDRED. It won't happen 

Tommy. But if it should. 

Mildred. Why of course, if Mary had someone 
to look after her, and help her. (Tommy smiles 
happily) Wliat are you smiling about 

Tommy. That's a promise? If— Lew and your 
sister 

Mildred. I suppose so. 

Tommy. And now that the — business end is 
settled — I want to make a few remarks about your 
eyes, and your hair 

Mildred. {Szveetly) I don't mind. (Alden 
comes in from the road, and stands slightly outside 
the gate. He looks older— and tired. Mildred sees 
him) Why, it's Lew— Mr. Alden. 

Alden. No — Lew — please. 

Mildred. Won't you — come in? (Lewis opens 
gate and comes in) How are you. (Mildred ad- 
vancing tozuard him, constrained. They shake 
hands. To Tommy) You knew. 

Tommy. Yes. 

Mildred. Why didn't you tell me? 

Tommy. I wanted to get that promise, and I got 

it. 

Alden. Do you think Mary will see me? 

Mildred. Oh, I hope so. (Tommy smiles cheer- 
fully) But— well— I'm afraid. I'm sorry to say it 
—but I'm afraid— You see. Lew— you waited so 
long 

Lewis. I know. 

Mildred. She doesn't expect you. 

Lewis. No, I have written several letters re- 
cently. She answered — once. 

Mildred. She didn't tell me 

Lewis. Like you — I'm very much afraid — that I 
waited too long. 

Tommy. {To Mildred) Suppose you find her — 



92 HER OWN MONEY. 

Mildred. What shall I say? 

Tommy. Oh, just ask her to come here. 

Mildred. Must I tell her Lew has come ? 

Alden. No. She might not see me. 

Tommy. Say I want to talk to her — about the 
mortgage — or something like that. Any excuse will 
do 

Mildred. I understand — I will — (Going) — and 
I do hope she'll forgive him — not only for his sake — 
but for her own. 

Tom my. And — ours ? 

Mildred. And ours — (Mildred goes out) 

Lewis. What a beautiful place 

Tommy. Isn't it? 

Lewis. You — found it — didn't you ? 

Tommy. Yes — And she's doing very well. She 
has Rhoda, and a boy to help her. She's beginning 
to get some money. 

Lewis. She said she could — I didn't believe it — 
I was a fool 

Tommy. Mrs. Alden has never discussed the 
matter with me — so I have a very vague idea of your 
trouble. I know it was something about money. 

Lewis. It was all about money. We're both to 
blame. At first I couldn't see my share — but I see 
it now — and that's what makes me feel so cheap — 
My mistake came first — My boy — let me give you a 
piece of advice — When you marry — even if you're 
only making ten dollars a week — give your wife her 
end of it — and forget it. 

Tommy. Of course. It's coming to her. I've 
thought a lot about that — Of course if a man married 
a woman like Mrs. Beecher 

Lewis. She might have done better — if Beecher 
had started right 



Tommy. You know I don't think it's wise for two 
people to marry until they've agreed on some way to 
share their income, so the wife won't be dependent. 

Lewis. That's it. You're on the right track — 



HER OWN MONEY. 93 

stick to it. I wish I had understood. Mary — is 
everything in the world to me — There never was any 
other woman — I want her to come back to me. I'd 
pay off the mortgage — She could go on with her 
chickens — if she likes — I'd give anything — do any- 
thing — if she'd only forgive me. {Thoughtfully) 
Will she ?— Will she ? 

Tommy. I don't know. 

Lewis. I don't know how to speak to her — I 
don't know what to say — I'm apt to make a fool of 
myself — Will you see her first — tell her I'm here — 
Ask her to let me speak to her — That's all — just 
see her and talk to her. 

Tommy. Why, of course. I'll do anything I 
can — (Mary's voice is heard out, left) Suppose 
you just step outside a moment — {Takes him to 
gate) If you stand there — you can hear all that's 
said and you'll be out of sight — Cheer up. 

(Lewis goes out of gate. Tommy looks after him — 
thoughtfully. Mary comes above, from house 

R.) 

Mary. Mildred says you want to talk to me, Mr. 
Hazleton ? 

Tommy. Yes. I want to say something to you — 
it's rather important. 

Mary. Is it about you — and Mildred. 

Tommy. No. It's about you and 

Mary. Oh — don't 

Tommy. I must 

Mary. Please. 

Tommy. Don't think I'm curious — don't think I 
mean to pry into your personal affairs — I have a — 
sort of — message 

Mary. From — Mr. Alden. 

Tommy. From Lew — yes — He wants to see 
you 

Mary. {Shakes her head gravely) No. 



94 HER OWN MONEY. 

Tommy. He wants to talk to you — to tell you 

Mary. He has left things rest as they are — for 
a year — We will let them rest as they are, for all the 
years. 

Tommy. He wants to come out here, and see you. 

Mary. No. He must not come. 

Tommy. He — has come. 

Mary. He is — here? (Tommy nods. Mary 
stands, silent, for some time) I do not want to see 
him. He wrote me. I told him I did not want to see 
him — Please — tell him — to go. 

(Alden steps in at the gate. His face is set.) 

Alden. Mary — (She turns toward him) I know 
you feel bitter and I don't blame you. But I wish 
you'd hear me. I was hurt — I didn't understand. 
It was a rotten thing to do, but it didn't seem so at 
the time. But when the hurt died away, I began to 
think of the many things you had said. I tried to 
get your point of view, and I have. We've nearly 
made a wreck of our lives. In the very beginning 
the fault was mine. Is it too late to try and make 
things right. Won't you? Won't you? (A pause) 
I'm sorry — (She only looks at him — he gazes at her. 
Then very slowly he walks from the porch across to 
the gate — and goes out. As he passes, Mary's face 
shows all that is passing in her mind) 

Mary. Lew — {She goes to gate) Lew — {She 
goes out) 

(Tommy comes to gate and looks off after them. 
Mildred slips on and comes to him. Both 
watch zvith anxioiis faces. Then their expres- 
sion changes to relief — then to joy. Tom turns 
to Mildred and holds out his arms. She shyly 
looks up in his face and goes to him.) 

CURTAIN. 



w =5S. 78 



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